IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


1.0 


I.I 


Hf  las, 


2.5 


12.2 


2.0 


1.8 


1.25 

U    ||.6 

M 6"     

► 

«V^ 


c/1 


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CIKM 
Microfiche 
Series 
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ICMH 

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microfiches 
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Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes  /  Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


Th0C 
to  th( 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best  original 
copy  available  for  filming.   Features  of  this  copy  which 
may  be  bibliographically  unique,  which  may  alter  any 
of  the  images  in  the  reproduction,  or  which  may 
significantly  change  the  usual  method  of  filming,  are 
checked  below. 


D 
D 
D 

n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag^ 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restauree  et/ou  pelliculie 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


Coloured  maps/ 

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□  Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relie  avec  d'autres  documents 


~T|  Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
^  I  along  intf ''ior  margin/ 


La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  interieure 


D 


Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may  appear 
within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these  have 
been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais.  lorsque  cela  etait  possible,  ces  pages  it'ont 
pas  et>:  filmees. 


L'Institut  a  microfilmd  le  meilleur  exemplaire  qu'il 
lui  a  M  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details  de  cet 
exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-£tre  uniques  du  point  de  vue 
bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier  une  image 
reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une  modification 
dans  la  methode  normale  de  f  ilmage  sont  indiquis 
ci-dessous. 

□  Coloured  pages/ 
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□  Pages  detached/ 
Pages  detaches 

SShowthrough/ 
Transparence 


Theii 
poui 
of  th< 
filmir 


Origii 
basin 
thali 
•ion, 
othar 
first  f 
•ion. 
or  illti 


0 
0 


r— Iln 
I I  Cc 


Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualite  inegale  de  I'impression 


Continuous  pagination/ 
Pagination  continue 


Tholi 
•hall  I 
TINUI 
wtiief 

Mapi 
diffar( 
antira 
bagini 
right  i 
raquir 
mathc 


dudes  index(es)/ 
Comprend  un  (des)  index 


Title  on  header  taken  from:/ 
Le  titre  de  I'en-tSte  provient: 


Title  page  of  issue/ 

Page  de  titre  de  la  livraison 


0 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplementaires: 


n 

□  Caption  of  issue/ 
Titre  de  depart  de  la  livraison 

n 

Pagination  is  as  follOHs:  [i]-xvi,  [5]-3t2  p. 


Masthead/ 

Generique  (periodiques)  de  la  livraison 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filme  au  taux  de  rMuction  indit^ue  ci-dessous. 


iOX 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30)( 



y 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32  X 


The  copy  filmtd  h«r«  hat  b««n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

D.B.  Weldon  Library 
Univeriity  of  Western  Ontario 


L'axamplaira  filmA  fut  raproduit  grdca  A  la 
gAnArositA  da: 

D.B.  Weldon  Library 
University  of  Western  Ontario 


Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  itaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacif icationa. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  fllmad 
baginning  with  the  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  iilustratad  impraa- 
aion,  or  tha  bacli  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  f  iimad  baginning  on  tho 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  iilustratad  impraa- 
sion,  and  anding  on  tha  laat  page  with  a  printad 
or  illuatratad  impression. 


Tha  laat  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Las  imagas  suivantas  ont  M  raproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattetA  da  raxamplaira  filmA,  at  an 
conformity  avec  lea  conditions  du  contrat  da 
fllmaga. 

Les  exemplairas  originaux  dont  la  couvarture  an 
papier  est  imprim^e  sont  filmis  en  commenqant 
par  la  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darniira  pag^  qui  comporta  una  ampreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration.  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  les  autras  exemplairas 
originaux  sont  fiimte  9n  commanpant  par  la 
pramiAre  page  qui  comporta  una  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  darhiAre  paga  qui  comporta  una  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
darniire  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  salon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE".  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


Mapti,  plates,  charta.  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  retios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  expoaura  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  end  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrama  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  pisnches.  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  Atre 
filmAs  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  film6  A  partir 
de  I'angla  supirieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas.  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ntcessaira.  Les  disgrammes  suivants 
lllustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

32  X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

m 


m 


^ RAVELS  ^    • 

THROUGHOUT  THE  INTERIOR  PJRTS 


OF 

NORTH  AMERICA, 

roR    MORE   THAN  FIVE   THOUSAND    MILES, 

CONTAINING 

Uu  account  of  the  great  Lakes,  and  all  the'Lakcs,  iHand,,  and 
t         Rivers    Cararads,  Mountains,  Minerals,  Soil  and  Ve,%. 
table  Produdlions  of  the' North  Weft  Regions' 
of  that  vaft  Continent.! 

■WITH    A 

.^   Jr  n"  ^'"''^  '-'^J'"'"  *"  '^>^  H'^^'J^  and  to     ■ 
tJie  Weftward  of  the  great  river  Mimiippi : 

AND    ,iN 

APPENDIX, 

-sca.iMo  TH.  t;.cu..iv.T.n  p.kt:,  o.  .M.aic.  th.t  .k. 

THE    MOST  PROPIR  FOR  FORMING  SETTLEMENTS. 

J^o^rfb  Amtncan,from  tbe  LJl  London  Edlthn. 

By  Capt.  JONATHaFcARVErT^ 
^f  the  Provincial  Troops  in  America. 


Pa> 


.—       C*   A   «ir«W«* 


For   west 


-.T.r.ivi.i4  iliiiiiKiDGE, 

AND    GREENLEAF. 


NO*  5 (J,   CORNHILL,  DOSTON. 

^™«"  '■"■■  tap  I 

1802, 


El 

F 
'1'' 

i- 


m 


m: 


Z.0(b'X9 


TO 


SIR, 


JOSEPH   BANKS,   Es,5, 

PRESIDENT  OF  THB 

ROYAL  SOCIETY, 


WHEN  the  public  arc  informed  that  I 

^ave  long  had  the    honor  of  your  acquaintance  ; 

aiat  my  dcfign  in  puWifhing  the  following  work  has 

eceived  your  fanftion  j  that  the  compofition  of  it 

bs  %od  the  teft  of  your  judgment  ;  and  that  it  is 

f>7yourpermiffion,  a  name  fo  defervedly  eminent  in 

Ihehterary  world   is  prefixed  to  it,  I  need  not  be 

fpprehenfive  of  its  fuccefs  ;  as  youi^patronage  will 

bnqueftionably,  give  them  afiiirance  ^f  its  merit. 

For  this  public  teftlmoriy  of  your  favor,   in  which 
pride  myfclf;  accept.    Sir,  my  moft  grateful  ac- 

Fnowledgments  j  and  beli'<i^e  me  to  be,  with  great 

tefpe<a,. 

t^pur  obedient,  humble  Servant, 


iMimmmtm 


AN  ADDRESS  TO  THE  PtinUC, 


_  HE  favorable  reception  this  work  has  met 
trith,  claims  the  Author's  moft  grateful  acknowledg- 
tients.     A  large  edition  having  run  off  in  3   fe^ 
jonths,  and  the  fale  appearing  to  be  lliU  unabated, 
I  new  nnpreffion  is  become  neceflary.     On  this  oc- 
Jfion,  was  he  to  conceal  his  feelings  and  pafs  over  in 
Bence,  a  diftinftion  fo  beneficial  and  flattering,  he 
[ould  juftly    incur  the  imputation  of  ingratitude, 
rhat  he  might  not  do  this,  he  takes  the  opportunity, 
►hich  now  prefents  itfelf,  of  conveying  to  the  Public 
though  m  terms  inadequate  to  the  warm  emotions 
I  his  heart)  the  fenfe  he  entertains  of  their  favor  5 
Id  thus  tranfmits  to  them  his  thanks. 
In  this  new  edition,   care  has  been  taken  to  vtCtU 
thole  errors  which  have    unavoidably  proceeded 
jm  the  hurry  of  the  prefs,   and  likewife  any  incor- 
^itnefs  m  the  language  that  has  found  its  wiy  imo  it. 
I  l^e  credibdity  of  fome  of  the  incidents  related  in 
|e  following  pages,  and  fome  of  the  ftories  introduced 
iwein,  having  been  queflioned,  particularly  the  proe- 
Iftication  of  the  Indian  prieft  on  the  banks  of  Lake 
benor,  and  the  ftory  of  the  Indian  and  his  rattle 
*ke,  the  author  thinks  it  necefTary  to  avail  himfelf 
the   lame  opportunity,  to  endeavor  to  eradicate 
7  impfeffions  that  might  have  been  made  on  the 
&e  reladons         ''  ^^  '^^  apparent  improbability  cf 

b  "^P^^  ^°''"'''*  ^'  ^'^'  related  it  juft  as  it  hap. 
Jned  Being  an  eye  witnels  to  the  whole  tranfac- 
In  (and,  he  flatters  himfelf,  at  the  time,  free  from 
|y  traceoffceptical  obflinacy  or  inthufiaftic  crS 
r.,'J,/j.  "•        ■■  •i"-""^    .io-ic  xo  aeicnue  every 

umftance  mmutely  and  impartially.  This  he  h... 
k^ncK  T-^^"^  endeavoring  to  account  for  tha 
pans  by  which  it  was  accompliflied.     Whether  the 

khZr''7'^"^'"^P^^"^  obfervations,  from 
Mch  certam  confequences  were  cxpe^ed  to  ft,lloiv 

-*'  'by 


Tl 


ADDRESS, 


by  the  fiigaclous  pricfl:,  and  the  completion  of  It  mere- 
ly accidental  j  or  whether  he  was  really  endowed  with 
ibpcrnatural  powers,  the  narrator  left  to  the  jialir- 
ment  of  his  readers  ;  whofe  concluflons,  he  fuppoici, 
varied  according  as  the  mentnl  faculties  of  each  were 
difpofed  to  admit  or  rejeft  fjidts  that  cannot  be  ac- 
counted for  by  natural  caufes. 

The  ftory  of  the  rattle  fnakc  was  related  to  him  by 
-  French  gentleman  .of  undoubted  veracity  ;  and  were 
the  readers  of  this  worh  as  thoroughly  acquainted  i 
■with  the  flipcity,  and  inftin<5tive  proceedings  of  that 
i>nimaJ,  as  he  is,  they  wouiil  be  as  well  afllired  of  tJie  j 
truth  of  it.     It  is  v/ell  known  that  thofe  fnakes  which  1 
liave  furvived  through  the  fummer,  the  accidents  rcp-| 
tiles  are  liable  to,  periodically  retire  to  the  woods,  atj 
the  approach  of  winter  •,  where  each  (as  curious  oh- 
Servers  hav„*  remarked)  takes  pofleffion  of  the  cavity  it  I 
Lad  occupied  the  preceding  year.     As  foon  as  the 
feafon  is  propitious,  enlivtned    by   the  invigorating! 
rays  of  the  fun,  they  leave  thefe  retreats,  and  make! 
theiir  way  to  the  fame  fpot,  though  ever  fo  diftant, 
on  which  they  before  had  found  fubfiftence,  and  the  I 
means  of  propagating  their  fpccies.     Does  it  then  re-l 
quire  any  extraordinr.ry  exertions  of  the  mind  to  be-j 
lieve,  that  one  of  thefe  regular  creatures,  after  havincrj 
been  kindly  treated  by  it«  mafter,  Ihould  return  toj 
the  box,  in  which  it  had  ufuilly  been  fupplied  with! 
food,  and  had  met  with  a  comfortable  abode,  and  thatj 
nearly  about  the  time  the  Indian,  from  former  expar- 
jments,  was  able  to  guef?  at  ?  It  certainly  does  not;! 
nor  will  tAic  liberal  and  ingenuous  doubt  the  truth  oi| 
a  ftory  fo  well  authenticated,    becaufe   the  circum-j 
llances  appear  extraordinary  in  a  country  where  thcj 
iubjedt  of  it  is  fcarcely  known. 

TU^rt.     1 i! «.l- _    _._^i 1    _   ...    _.M1    rm 

j.ijv;i.j    t.-.^>;auaLiuiis  iiic  imtiiur  IlUpeo  Will  ItllUCC  lOi 

convince  his  readers,  that   he  has  not;  as  travellenj 

are  fometimes  fuppofed  to  do,  amufed  them  with  im-j 

probable  tales,  or  wiflied  to  acquire  importaiice   by! 

making  his  adventures  favor  of  the  marvellous* 

.  CONTElSri^J 


^vi 


iplctioa  of  it  merc- 
eally  endowed  with 
:  left  to  the  jiulg- 
ufions,  he  fuppoil'i, 
:iilties  of  eacK  were 
hat  cannot  be  ac- 

s  related  to  him  by 
veracity  ;  and  were 
roughly  acquainted  | 
roceedings  of  that 
well  afllired  of  the  I 
thofe  fnakes  which! 
,  the  accidents  rcp-j 
re  to  the  woods,  atf 
ach  (as  curious  ob- 
ion  of  the  cavity  it 
.     As  foon  as  the 
T  the  invigorating 
retreats,  and  makej 
W  ever  fo  diftant, 
ibfiftence,  and  thel 
Does  it  then  re-l 
•f  the  mind  to  be- 
tures,  after  having! 
Ihould  return  to! 
sen  fupplied  with! 
ale  abode,  and  thatj 
roni  former  expar- 
^rtainly  does  notii 
doubt  the  truth  ofl 
:aufe   the  circum-j 
ountry  where  the! 

opc5  v«-ill  fumcc  tOj 
not;  as  travellersj 
bd  them  with  im-l 
re  iniportaiKe  byi 
marvellousi 
.  CONTEN^rSj 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction, 

[The  Author  fets  out  from  Bitjion  on  h'n  travels 

\Defcription  of  fort  Michillimackinac 

fort  La  Bay, 

— — — —  the  Green  Bay^ 
lake  Michigany 

Arrives  at  the  tonun  of  the-  JVinnehagoes, 

Excnrjion  of  the  Wlnntbagoes  tonunrds  the  Spanijh 
fitlevients,  -  .  „  _ 

Defer ipt ion  of  the  Winnebago  lake, 

hifiance  of  refolution  of  an  Indian  'woman, 

Defcription  of  the  Fox  River, 

Remarkable  ftory  of  a  Rattle  Snake, 

The  great  town  of  the  Saukies, 

Upper  toivn  of  the  Ottagaumiss, 

Defcription  of  the  Ouifconjin  River, 

Lower  to'ivn  of  the  Ottagatiinies,  or  Les  Prairies 
Des  Chiens,  -  - 

An  attack  by  fonie  Indian  plunderers,  -    ' 

Defcription  of  the  Mi0ppi  front  the  mouth  of  the 
Ouifconjin  to  lake  Pepin, 
■       lake  Pepin, 

Remarkable  ruins  of  an  ancient  Fortification, 

The  River  Bands  of  the  Naudoive fie  Indians, 

Adventure  "jjith  a  party  of  t'    ':'  and  fome  of  the 
Chipevjays, 

Defcription  of  a  remarkahle  Cave, 

Uncommon  behavior  of  the  Prince  of  th»  Winneba- 
goes  at  the  falls  of  St.  Anthony, 

Defcription  of  the  Falls, 

Extent  of  the  Author's  Travels, 

Defcription  of  the  river  St.  Pierre, 

Sources  of  the  four  great  rivers  of  North  America, 

Reflifiions  on  their  affinity,  ,        .      '    . 

The  NaudoiiseJ/ics  of  the  plains,  lutth  nuhom  the  Au- 
thor 'Wintered  in  the  year  176G, 


5; 

»3 

>4. 

15 

ib. 

19 

2I> 

22 
24 

2? 
26 

27 
28 

ib. 

3»- 

32 

3J 
34 
ZS 

37 

ilK 

39 

41 
42 
43 
45 
46 

ib. 


The 


tut 


CONTENTS. 


r^^.  returns  to  the  .nouth  of  the  rhcr  St. 

^ccunt  If  a  violent  thunder  form, 
speech  made  by  the  author  in  a  council  held  b,  the 
Nuudonv.J/ies  at  the  great  cave,  ^  *^' 

^SZ"?i'^"''>  '^^"'^'""^  "'^'-  ^-^'  Pepin. 

Acc.,ntjf  different  6lays  fund    'near  the  Ma'rble 

^ffcripthn  of  the  Chipc-^ay  River, 

J^traor<n„ary  effe^s  of  a  Hurricane, 

J^f^'Aut^or  arrived  at  tie  Grand  Portane  on  the 
North  jji  borders  of  lake  Suprri^r,  ^  '"  ""^ 
iTn^'^t  ^'H'!y'"SMt>>^rto  the  North  ^efl  • 

vr       ,         '•■'*'"  Jf>ining  mountains, 
Defcription  of  lake  Superior, 

Account  of  great  quantities  of  Copper  Ore,  -        "    . 
^fnption  of  the  Falls  of  si  Marie,  . 

"~~" ~  Lake  Huron,, 

"IT.        7 Saganaum  and  Thunder  Bats,  ' 

ss^rr '"""'"'  *"''^~'"  ^^^'■'- 

^'fiription  of  lake  St.  Clairey  '\. 

"T"        ----      -  the  river,  tonvn,  and  fort  of  Detroit 
Remarkable  rum  at  Detroit,  "^  Detroit, 

Attack  of  fort  Detroit  by  Pontiac,        '  .' 

Defcrtptjonsf  lake  Erie, 

'  '^1^^,  '''X"-  ^»<i/Als  ofNivnar'a, 

.  "  "■   •-^•-sj.T.^  i!7:s  iuKe  Vntada, 

'liZr~7~'r  '       Champlain,  and  lake  Georpe, 

Account  of  a  tra^  of  land  granted  to  Sir  Berdi/ando 

l^orge;,  ami  captain  John  Mafon,  _      . 

T'ks  anthor^s  nictives  for  undertaLg  kirtrt^vels, 

CHAPT 


48 
50 

5» 

59 

60 
ib. 
61 

63 


ib. 

6g. 

ib. 

Ti- 
ll 

78 
81 
82 

84 

ib. 

H 

SB 
ib. 
89 
96 

9^ 

ib. 

TOO 

ib. 
£H 


CONTENTS. 


C  II  A  P  1"  E  R    I. 

n.w  cirgiii  of  the  In/iiaitSy  - 

't'tititiiints  of  various  ivi  iters  on  this  point j 

Mcnftcitr  CharlcvotKi 

— — Jdtnes  Ada'-f  Efq.  - 

the  author  of  this  luorkf 

Wrobonvion  of  the  latter  by  DoBor  Rcbertfon^ 

CHAPTER    It 

Vf  the  perfon  f,  drefs,  ^c.  cf  the  IndiaitSy         -  ,  ^  ^ 

in  account  of  ihofe  'wh  have  -written  on  this  fttbjeShf    ib^ 
'^efcription  of  the  perfons  of  the  Indians^  -.  129 

their  drefsy  -        ..'»u*-i,,ii       i^o 

the  drefs  of  the  Ottagnumies^  133 

— — the  drefs  of  the  NaudoiveJfteSy  jb. 

The  manner  in  which  they  build  their  tents  and  huts,  l>4' 
Hieir  domiflic  utetijilt,  .    -  -  'SS 

CHAPTER    m. 


»05 

106 
112 

117 

121 

125 


127 


W*^',  tenners i  qualifications,  l^fc.  if  the  Indians ^ 
^reculiar  cufloms  of  the  •women. 
The  circumfpeEi  and  finical  difpofttion  of  the  men. 
Their  amazing  fqgacity,  - 

The  liberality  of  the  Indians,  and  their  opinion 
refpe&ing  money,  -  .        '      _ 

CHAPTER    IV. 

Their  method  of  reckoning  time,  ^c. 

Vhe  names  by  which  they  dflinguifh  the  months. 

their  idea  of  the  ufe  of  figures, 

CHAPTER.    V. 

"if  their  government,  feV. 

Xheir  divifion  into  tribes.  -  « 


136 
ih. 

137 
139 

142 


144 

ibi 

■t-Af 
—13- 


'47 


fb. 


Th 


be 


*  CONTENTS. 

^' c^^efs  of  their  bands,     ' 

^^^'-'^-^^rs  that  compofe  their  councils,      " 

CHAPTER    VI. 

^*^eirfea/ls, 

^W  —  ofir0„,  andeatfn,  th.ir  ^iauals, 

CHAPTER    VII. 
Of  their  dances, 

rt  2"""'' '",  "^^''^  'h  dance,  ' 
^f  P^pe  or  calumet  dance,.         ' 
jj>e  -war  dance, 

^^' -Pawivaw  dance. 

^^^JW'PPh  referred  to  in  the  Journal 
The  dance  of  the  facrifice,         i  *      _  " 

CHAPTER    VIIK- 

^  their  hunting, 

n^r  preparation  Bef  re  they'/et  o,a,        "  ^ 

^[^^^mcr  of  hunting  thj Bear, 

~~  '  Beaver,  ,.. 

CHAPTER    IX. 

^*^'^rnanner  of  making  war,  tsfc 

'^he  Indian  'u>eapons,        ^   P  ^'^  '  '< 

^^"^  stives  for  making  .war, 

Zrjuraisons  bejore  they  take  the  field,  *  ' 


Mr) 

M9r 


175 

178 


CONTENTS. 


\nin/lance  of  the  efficacy  sfit  in  the  defeat  of  Gen- 

detail  of  the  tnaffacre  at  Fort  William  Henry,  in 
Ubeyear  1757,       \ 

Utenefs  and  alacrity  of  the  Indians  in  purfuing 

Itheir  enemies,  .  . 

IT/S«>  manner  cffcalping, 

V  manner  in  -which  they  retreat  and  carry  off 

fheir  prifoners,  .  . 

fremariable  injiance   of  heroifm  in  a   Female 

vrifiner, 

featmetit  of  their  prifoners, 

\e  origin  of  their  felling  Jlaves, 

CHAPTER    X. 

\  their  manner  of  making  peace,  £gV. 
>^nt  of  an  engagement  between  the  Iroqtuh  and 
mhe  Ottagaumies  and  the  Saukies, 
nftnner  in  -which  they  condud  a  treaty  of  peace* 

friptionofthe  pipe  of  peace,  . 

belts  ofnaampum,  ^ 

CHAPTER    XT. 

Hheir  games,  -  ^ 

^  game  of  the  hall, 
—  -bo-wl  or  platter,  ,     ' 

CHAPTER    XII. 

hheir.  marriage  ceremonies, 

)e  manner  in  -which  the  tribes  near  Canada  ctle.\ 

prate  their  marriages,  .  _        ^ 

\eform  of  marriage  among  the  Naudo-wefRes,'       . 

\ar  manner  of  carrying  on  an  Intrigue, 

\the  Indian  names,  . 

CHAPTER    Xin. 

'their  religiont 

hirideatefafupremchhg,  •    "      , 


179 

180 

188 
ib. 

J  89 

191 
192 

^99^ 


201 

20* 
205 

20$ 

207 


208 

ib. 
209 


210 

ttl 

216 
Ji. 


218 
2/9 

Jutttre 


./I 


"Sua 


CONTENTS. 


T/v;>  /iieai  of  afuturejiatey 
Of  their  priejh. 

The  fsnthnents  of  others  on  the  religious  principles  of 
the  Indians  oppofed, 

'  CHAPTER     XIV. 

Of  their  difeafe,  He.  .  .      . 

The  complaints  to  nvhich  they  are  chiejly  fuhjeil^ 
The  manner  in  i.bich  they  conjirua  their  fweating 

Stoves,  -  - 

The  tnethods  in  'which  they  treat  their  difeafes^ 
An  extraordinary  infiance  of  the  judgment  of  an  /;;- 

dian  nuoman,  in  a  defperate  cafe, 

CHAPTER     XV. 

The  manner  in  mshich  they  treat  their  dead, 
Afpecinien  of  their  funeral  harangues. 
Their  method  of  burying  their  dead, 
Afmgular  inftance  of  parental  affedlion  in  a  Nan- 
dQ'welfie  iwman,  ,  -         -  /     - 

«• 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

A  ancife  char ader  of  the  Indians, 


220 

ih\ 

221 


223i 

ih. 

224! 
2251 

227J 


22$i 
23c| 

il\ 

23 'I 


w 


n 


'rati 


hus  principles  of 

220 

ib, 

221 

XIV. 

V 

iejlyfuhje^, 
their  fvjeating 

223 

ib. 

- 

ir  difeafts, 
yment  of  an  In- 

224J 
2251 

CONTENTS. 

eir  perjhuii  and  mental  ^lalifications, 

cir  public  charaSier  as  nu-mbcrs  of  a  Community, 

CHAPTIIR    XVII. 

peir  Language,  Hieroglyphics,  Ijfc. 
fhe^  Chipemjay  Tongue, ' 
f-riptive  Specimen  of  their  Hieroglyphics,  IsSc 
fabulary  of  the  Chipenvay  language,  '      '. 

~- ^<^»doiwJfte  language, 

CHAPTER    XVIII. 

tn'rica'  ^^^^  interior  parts  of  North. 

BEASTS. 

Tiger.     Bear,  .      " 

■Diijfalo.     Deer,     Elk,  . 

.Aloofe.      Carrahoot  =     -' 

\Carkajou.      Skufik,         "''. 
I  Porcupine, 

\  Otter.     Alink,^  .  '         "  ■ 


234 
23; 


237 

229 

ib. 

249 


254 


ih. 

iss 

ib, 
258 
259 
260 
26r 
'262 
266 


BIRDS. 

\l%%  ^y^  "'"^'''     ^VhipperrwUL 
iF'JhHa'wL      Onvl.      Crane,   ^  ' 

&^^--      ''fP^^^^r.' Blue  Jay.    Wa. 


i'd.     Red  Bird. 


y(ing  Bird.     Humming  j?, 


IVketfa 


^ird, 


'aiv. 


ib. 
269 
270 

271 
271 

273 


FISHES. 


kiv 


-CONTENT'S. 


FISHES. 


The  Stufgco7iy 

The  Cat  ^Fijh.      Carp.      Cl:u!>, 


SEJIPENTS. 


rir  Rank  ^nakc 


the  L 


•on;T  m.ick  Smkc,    Strip^i  or  Garter  Suede, 


Wat:r  Snake.     Hilfing  Smke^     Green  SnaL 
The    Thorntail   Snake.'      Sj>cMed  Snake.       R 


big 


Snake.      Tivo  headed  Snake.      Tcrtoife  or  land 
Turtle. 


fvH 


LIZARDS. 

X^.e  SwJ/}  Lizard.     Sh-M  Lizard.     Tree  Toad, 

INSECTS. 

The  Silk  Worm.     Tobacco  Worm..     -Bee.     /.Jahf. 

ning  Bug  or  Fire  Fly,  -  ^  ^Sj 

The  IVater  Bug.     Horned  Bug.     LocuJ},  28 

CHAPTER    XIX. 

Of  the  Trees,  Shruhs,  Roots,  Herbs,  Fhivers,  ^c. 

TREES. 

The  Oak,  .  .  , 

The  Pine  Tree.     Maple.     Jjh,  '  .  2SI 

T^c  Hemlock  Tree.    Ba/r  or  White  Wood.  Wick- 
pick  or  Suckivick.     Button  Wood,    i  -  n 

'  NUT    TREES.  I 

The  Butter. or  Oil  N Id.     BecichNui,  ..  28I 

Tv:'  Pecan  Nut.     Hickory^ 

FRUI] 


NTiS. 


CONTENDS. 


x-y 


FRUIT    TREES. 


IV  A  lnc^ 


TS. 


'"  Gaiter  Snake, 
Green  Snake, 
Sfi.ike.       Ring 

Tcrtotfe  or  land 


)S. 

'.     Tree  Toad; 

'S. 

>Bee.     jLight- 
,  Fh<vjers,  Cfft . 


Wood. 

IVlck' 

2$HI 

ES. 

B 

:^^-: 

.' 

m 

ye   Mulbery   Tree.       Crab   Jpple   Tree.     Pluni 
Tree.     Cherry  Tree.     Siveei  Gum  Tree, 

shrubs:- 

lFilhn.v.      Shin  IVc-jd.     S.tftfras;  ' 
w  Piiekly    Jljh.  ■  Mccfe    Woodi     Spoon    ir^^d, 
■Elder, 

'f  Skruh   Oak.    .    Witch   HazL'.     Myrtk   Wax 
Tree.      Winter  Green, 

%e  Fever  Btijh.     Crafiheray  Bujh.     Ckoak  Ber- 
ry, -  •  . 

ROOTS  AVD  PL  ANTSi' 

tikenard.     SarfapariUa.      Cinfang, 

\ld   Thread.       Sokmon's    SeaH      Decii's    Biti 

\  Blood  Root,  -  . 

herbs:' 

^ffiicte.     Rattle  Snake  Plantain, 

por  Rebbin's  Plantain.     Toad  Plantain.     R,:k 

\  Livernvort.     Gat  git  or  Skokc.     Skunk  Cabbage 

'Or  Poke.      Wake  Robing  • 

^Id  Indigo.     Cat  Mint, 

FLO  W  E  R  S.  • 

FARINACEOUS  and  LEGUMINOUS 
ROOTS,  es'r/ 

^aize  or  Indi.m  Corn.     Wild  Rice, 
J!ii:     The  Snna/b, 


2%^ 

289 

290 
291 
202  ■ 

295- 

294. 
295 

297. 

ib. 
299' 


300 
302- 


FRUI] 


APPENDIX. 


XVI 


CONTENTS. 


APPENDIX. 

'^f^^prf^^^il'P  o/ae  interior  parts  cf  North  Amer- 

na  becoming  commercial  colonies, 
y^j;^'^^' ';:> '^l^ic':  tins  nnght  he  epaed.      '     , 

be  ejauhjhed  jitk  the  greafeji  advantag  ^ 

m-rtation  o.  the  difio.ery  of  a  North  '■Eh  p.^a.e 
The  moft  certain  ^ay  of  attaining  it,  "^  ^  ■"  ^' ' 
t'LinpropofeJby  Richard  Whit^rth,  Rfn.  /J,  ;,,,, 

'^gan  att.nl,fon:  a  qrurter  lillJl  ^^M 
I  ti  tiafcfi,  of  us  king  poji^oned,  ,  ' 


304I 
3'oi 

3"i 


INTRODUCTION. 


INTRODUCTION. 


f  North  /Imer- 


S^TRODUCTION. 


IS  O  fooner  was  the  late  war  with  France 

jfricluded,  and  peace  eftatjlifhcd   by   the  treaty   of 

jcrlai lies,  in  the  year  1 763,' thahl  began  to  confid- 

(liavlng  rendered  vay  country,  fome  fervices  dur- 

the  v/ar)  how' I  might-  continue  ftill  ierviceable. 

Id  contribute,  as  much  as- lay  in-my  power,  to  make 

iat   vaft  acquilition   of  territory,  ^gained    by   Great 

Iritain,  in  North- America,-  advantageous  to  it.  ^ 

speared  to  me  indifpenfably  needful,  that  govern- 

ient  fliou Id  be  acquainted,  in  the   iirft  place,  with 

le  true  ftate  of  the  dominions  they  .  were  now  bc- 

)mc  poflfefled  of.  •  To  this  purpofe,  I  determined, 

the  next  proof  of  my  zeal,  to  exjilore  the  moit  ut>- 

lown  parts  of' them,  "and  to  fpare  no  trouble  dif-ex- 

:nfe  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  that  promifvjd '  t&- be 

ulcful  to  my  countrymen.     I  knew  that  many  ob- 

b'uiHoi  S  would  arife  to  my  fchemcj  from '  the   wr^nt 

[f  good  Maps  and  Charts  ;  for  -the  French,  whill\ 

ley  retained  their  power  in  ■  North   America,   had 

iken  every  artful  method  to  keep  all  other  nations, 

Particularly  the  Englifh,  in  igneranee  oC  ^he  concerns  - 

|f  the  interior  parts  -of  it  :  and  to.accompliih  this  ' 

Icfign,  with  the  gf eater  certjiinty,  they  had  pubiiliiet^ 

Kcurate  Maps -and  falfe  account^,  j  caili.ng  the  ^tlif^ 

rent  nations  of 'the  Indians  by  nieknatUies  tltey"  h-,i4 

tveii  them,-  and  not  by  thofe  really  apg^^iaiiig'tjc» 

iiem,-   Whether  the  intention  of  .th?, Frsn/fh>  jtu^t^i 

>g  this,  was  to  prevent  thefe  nations  from,  beipg  4i|l 

|o\  ered  and  traded  with,  or  to  conceal  theii-  difco^j^ 

fi'hen  they  talkctl  to  cr.eh  othet^  of  the  J^]i^fl,.''Rpy 

jerus,  iinheir  prefence,  I  will  not  .determine  ji  hat 

bnded  tomifl:ad.-  ^  -f4-  .d?'e,j  i.iT4# 


A  2 


""imm, 


INTRODUCnOiW 


I 


.         relative  ,o  Canada  ha"     .C/b      ""•■'■■  '=""'**!■ 
before  ,hc  co„,,„cft  o/crol   P     '"'^  """'"'■''' 
had  been  efi-cpm^,i         •  ^'^^^^"  1  oint»  m    nrr,   ; 

r-ner  was tS   il^Tj^fr''^  '"'"^^'^  '  ^^  '    ^ 
J\^'cl  acquired  its  area  e/rfT    '^^^*^°"vinccd,  that   it,^ 

given  out  ty  its  Sfr/r-".^™"^  ^^^^^^  report'" 

«t'on,  vvhici,  was  rcprlfeme  i^r^^^'     ^^">  '^^  fi^^- 
JUS.  was  found  to  owe  t      ,    ^'  ^°  ^^'■>'  ^'ivanta^e-' 
^;^"r>-c.     It  cannot  be  den    dtT".'"'^  ^"   '^''  ^'^- 
*J»c;e  countries  have  been    L^'i/^fK^""^  ^^^P'^  ^>^v 
;uh  an  appearance  of  ac  uiTc^     h^ 'r  ^'^^  ^^^"^"^''^ 
^n^all  a  fize,  and  drawn  on  f?  '     '"  '^'^"  ^''^  °^  ^^ 

Miilifippi,    I    can  aS    fr^;      ^^^^   ^^"^««  of  t], 
f;;e  jreatly  mifplaced  ^  iTX^  T?  ""P"''^"-  ' 
thenn-  and  compared     h.;l  r       ^^"   ^  ^^^^'   ^^'^P'or.d 

•^»'!  am  fatished  that^hH!"'""?""'"  rej>refentccl. 
^•"de  feetchcs  of  the  fodi  ms        ""'^  "^^'^^^  ^^"^  ^ht' 
-ntJ^ILJtSSih^:^ ---ion  f  ^-'a,  the, 
b/   which    any    W LL  ffrf / ''^^'"^^  ^ 
conquerors  }  for  although  th.^       "''^"^  ^^    '-^'^i^ 
J^^th  all  the  Lakes,  pardcul W  J-h'  T,"  ^^^"'"^'"^^^ 
having    conftamly  a  ve^d    If  """^^^^^  S"Perior, 
thereon,  yet  their  Ins  of  t1-     '^"^^^^'^^^'^^  burden 
Idifcover^d  manyTr^Jrs  in  tt  Tr''^^.  "^'^°^'-^^^- 
therein  o%^ts  iflands Tnd  l^av     dn     '"^^'""^  S'^^" 
eleven   hundred   miles  th.fr'     ^'".^  ^  P^'^S^'e^s  of 
2^ey  likewife!  on  g v Lf„'!  i/^^^^,  ^^  ^n  'canoes. 

^caret^  leave  tilplceV  tl L^I   ,""  °^.^^-"> 

thefamenncultivatedftate7ll!l^,r'^  occupied,  in 

t^  feme  »in,e  deftroying  an   hL  n   ^7f  '^'"^  '  ^^ 

f  rved  myfelf  part  o/thf  hll.u  !!?  "^^^^  f°?-^«-     i  ob- 

^UHM  to  the  water's  edge,  iuft  "^J  ll"'"^'  '"""^^^  ^^^^'^^ 

*^*  St..its  of  St.  Marielit^thc  U:.  '^""^^^^^ 


g'.'l'.'g"WU]..|iJ.iU'.iiiii" 


INTRODUCriON. 

^Thcfe  difficulties,  however,  were  not  fufficient  to 
feter  me  from  the  undertaking,  and  I  made  prepara- 
bns  for  fetting  out.     What  I  chiefly  had  in  view 
ter  gammg  a  knowledge  of  the  manners,  cultoms) 
iiguages,  fod  and  natural  productions  of  the  differ- 
It  nations  that  inhabit  the  back  of  the  Miffifippi 
hs  to  aicertain  the  breadth  of  that  vaft  continent* 
iich  extends  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean' 
[its  broadclt  part  between  43  and  46  degrees  north- 
h  latitude.     Had  I  been  able  to  accomplilh  this,  I 
fended  to  hUve  propofcd  to  government  to  eftabiifli 
^oft  in  fome  of  thofe  parts  about  the  Straits  of  An- 
Jin,   which   having   beea    firfl:    difcovered   by   Sir 
tancis   Drake,   of  courfe    belong   to   the   Enaliflu 
■his  I  am  convinced  would  greatly  facilitate  the  dif- 
tvery  of  a  North  weft  pafllige,  or  a  communication 
|tween  Hudion's  bay  and  the  Pacific  Ocean.     An 
^ent   fo  defirable,   and  which   has   been    fo  often 
lught  for,  but  without  fuccefs.     Befides  this  import- 
bt  end,  a  fettlement  on  that  extremity  of  America 
jould  anfwer  many  good  purpofes,  and  repay  every 
kpenic  the  eftabliiliment  of  it  might  occafion.     For 
.  would  not  only  difclofe  new  fources  of  trade,  and 
rornote  many  ufeful  difcoveries,  but  would  open  a 
aiiage  for  conveying  intelligence  to  China,  anS"  the 
fnglifli  fettlements  m  the  Eaft  Indies,  with  greater 
bcpedition  than  a  tedious  voyage   by   the   Cape  of 
»ood  Hope,  or  the  Straits  of  Magellan  will  allow  of. 
^How  far  the  advantages  arifingfrom  fbch  an  enter- 
rile  may  extend',  can  only  be  afcertained  by  the  fa- 
brable  concurrence  of  future  events.     But  that  the 
Jmplct.on  ot  the  fcheme,  1  have  had  the  honor  of 
rrt  g;annmg  and  attempting,  will  fome  time  or  other 
eftected,  I  make  no  doubt.     From  the  unhappy 
bifions  that  at  prefent  fubfift  between  Great  Brit^A 
jiu  America,  it  wil}  r«f<o^Ki.r   1 —  r ^     ^      .    ^ 

pe  attempt  IS  repeated  ;  but  whenever  it  is,  and  the 
tececution  of  it  carried  cm  with  propriety,  x\^t  who 

are 


^  n^rRoDucTioN: 

arc  fo  foi-tunatc  as  to  facrr^'ri    .  n  I 

beyond  rhcir  „,<,,>  /^mn  ,it  '  "S^"*^^  emolu^cJ 
•heir  r,,i,i,s  a,^  e!„ed*b;":hd  t^™'-  f  "^  ""''"I 
may  beltoiir  fome  co,„m,.„    !■    '""*■  Perhaps  1 1,  J 

;hougl,  but  „   CZyr"Z^:?,tZ''--  '""'4 
ihall  receive  with  pieafL         '  ""  '">'  •"''• '  i 

been  gradually  pZSivt.n    'T /'^'"^"^"'•'^^   J"'' 
kingdoms  will  ema-.e  fro      i  r"^  f'^'''^^''  '"'S'^f 

only  defomic^raVe  X  t-N  "  ''''^'  "^"' 

vanqnifhed  e^mies  ^'"^''^''°"»  trophies  of  th-.,. 

fvom  its  imprniticabiH^y  /for  fif  ^'^'l^-^.'^'-'^^Jed  a)or 
more  convinced  I  wa  th^^^^^^  ,f;'«her  I  went  tl.. 
oompliflred)  but  m  unfL?  ?^'  "*^  ^"  '"' 
However,  I  proceeUed  rr>  f5  II   'r    ^'^Womtments. 

tempt,  arj  prove  a  poJ  fl  .-  ^"^  ^"*"^e  "^^ 

iav  before  the  onhj;,-  ;«  «.j  r  .,  ^f^^*^  ^ ''lall  nc\sr 
am  fatfsf^d  that  ^L  ^U La"  ^^^^^^^^  ^^^  >  -^^ 
been  publiflxed  by  an^SS ^^5  '^f"',  ^^^^^  "^^•-^'' 
ed  of  the  interior  natfoSso7tK.T'?-  ^''^^'"'^  ^^^^^- 
ly,  the  account  I  gi;e  o?  the  nI  ^"'^'«:!!'  P^«i<^"l^'r. 
fituation  of  the  head,  nf  Ik  T^^^^'^'A^^V  and  the 
take  their  ri/;' tl^K-f'  ^^f^^/our  great,  riv.rs  that 

Tlie 


INTRODUCnON. 


lie  river  Bourbon,  which  empties  itielf  into   IIikI-" 
h's  bay  }  the  waters  of  Saint  Lawrence  ;  the  Mil- 
Ippi,  and  the  river  Oregan,  or  the  river  of  the  wt/l, 
falls  into  the  Pacific  Ocean,  at  the  Straits  of 
inian. 

tThe   impediments  that  occafioned  my  returning, 
lore  I  had  accompli/hcd  my  purpoles,  were  thcle. 
my   arrival    at    INIichillimackinac,   the   remoteft 
liili  poit,  in  September   1766,  I  applied  to  Mr. 
,'ers,  who  was  then  Governor  of  it,  to  furnifh  me 
a  proper  ailbrtment  of  goods,  as  prefents  for  the 
?.Uans  who  inhabit  the  tr.ick  I  intended  to  purfue. 
did  this  only  in  part  ;  but  promifed  to  fupply  me 
[th  inch  as  were  necefiary,  when  I  reached  the  Falls 
Saint  Anthony.     I   afterwards   learned  that  the 
jvernor  fulfilled  his  promife  in  ordering  the  goods 
be  delivered  to  me  ;  but  thofe,  to  whofe  care  he  in- 
jfted  them,  inftcad  of  conforming  to  his  orders  dif- 
^Ccd  of  them  elfewhere.  , 

I  Difapppointed  in  my  expeaations  from  this  quar- 
r,  I  thought  it  neceflary  to  return  to  La  Prairi.j  Le 
jliien  i  for  it  was  iinpoffible  to  proceed  any  further 
fthout  prefents  to  enfure  me  a  favorable  receptioxu 
his  I  did  in  the  beginning  of  the  year   1767,  and 
iding  my  progrefs  to  the  weftward  thus  retarded,  I 
fetermined  to  direft  my  courfe  northward.     I  took 
^is  ftep  with  a  view    of  finding  a  rommunication 
om  the  heads  of  the  Miffifippi  into  Lake  Superior, 
order  to  meet,  at  th^  grand  Portage  on  the  North 
sft  fide  of  that  lake,  the  traders  that  ufuallv  come 
)ut  this  feafon,  from  Michillimackinac.     Of  thcfe 
.^intended  to  purchafe  goods,  and  then  to  purfue  my 
lurney  h-om  that  quarter,  by  way  of  the  lakes  du 
tuye,  Dubois,  and  Ounipique  to  the  heads  of  the 
frer  of  the  wnfl--  w)»;/-K^  ^s.  T  k-.„^  r„:,j  u_r r  n 

ito  the  btraits  of  Annian,  «he  termination  of  my  in- 
wded  progrefs.  • 

I  accompliihed  the  former  part  of  my  defign,  and 

reached 


itO 


liVrRODucnoN.: 


^1 


th.    racers  I  nut  there,  acqiuintcd  .>*e  thut  they  !, , 

borcly  fuftccnt  to  nfilwcr  thdr  dwn  xicmands  m  thclj 
remote  p.rts^     Thus  dirappointed  a   fecund  Sn 
found  my  elf  obliged  to  return  to  the  place  f 
uhencelbjgan    n>y..  expedition,  which  I  did    .,' ,f 

atrs  ot  Lake  .Superior,  and  exploring   the  '  ,  ■    -,„/ 
nver^^that  empty  them^^lve.  into  thil^  large   ood/l 

\k  it  may  be  expe.led  that  I  {l.ould  lay  before  tlj 
p«bhc  the  reafons  that  thefe  dilcoveries,  of  fo  mucf 

with  America,  have  not  been  f.nparted  to  them  bX 

fore,    notwithftanding  they   were  made  upwards  J 

en  yearsago,  I  w.U  give  them  to  the  world  in  a  iL| 

and  cand.d  manner,  and  without  mingling  with  th  I 

rsct ( V  cu.  •  1 

On  my  arrivals  England,  I  prefentdd  a  pctltioJ 
men    o^Thi  T  '""IT'^  ^^^^'"8  ^«^  ^  ^«-burfl1 
government.-  This  Avas  referred  to  the  lords    com 
nuflioners  of  trade  and  plantations.-    The  r  lordll.i 

gte'ofrZh'"  ^'"'^'^ ''-'  -teihg:::ci?ca 

f^ered  m^T  ^P^?"^^  ^^^^^^  "^tioir,  that  thev 
ordered  mo  to  appear  before  th.e^  board.     This  melJ 

cm.  1  hen  It  wasfinif'^-^i  ■  '  ,n*./>Zl  ;  J 
whatlihould  do  with  V.  A^,  ^  f  .  u'^H 
tion  th^  f,r.a  i^  V       r  ^   -.  •  "^^^  '  without  hefita-l 

Xne^L  I  nl  r  r^  '/^'  '^f  I  might,  pubiifh  them 
whtnever  I  pleafed.>    In  confequence  of  this  permiiJ 

tt";Lt'P±l°L*J^.^!\-.^  ^okm^r,  but^vhc„! 
UTued  frnni  Vk»*'  ''"■^?  J"*"  ,"*"  P'*^"*  ^"  ^rder  was] 
Sut    delt  'P""^''^^r^'  requiring  me  to  deliver 
Without   delays  inta. the  plantation  office,    M^  rr^i 

,  Charts 


erioN;       •  ■ 

per  time;  but,  unlu^.k;i.l 
tainted  lue  that  they  !i,i. 
'y  had  with  them  beiii 
;ir  own  \lemands  in  thdl 
)inted  a  fecond  Cini:,  ■ 
:urn  to  the  [)lace  f 
iojj,  which  I  did  ;i'  d 
he  noith  and  ciO-  borj 
exploring  the  V  ■  muj 
into  this  •  large   oody 

t  I  fliould  lay  before  tiJ 
ililcovcries,  of  fb  mucH 

0  has  any  connetSlioni 
imparted  to  them  beJ 

were  made  upwards  ol 
i  to  the  world  in  a  plaiJ 
)ut  mingling  with  then! 
the  ill  treatment  I  havcj 

1  prefemdd  a  pctitlonl 
lying  for  a  reimburfJ 
ended  in  the  fervice  oi 
ed  to  the  lords,  com-j 
ions.  Their  lord/liip5,| 
*e -intelligence  I  coiiljj 
o-the  nation,  that  thefl 
Keyboard.     This  mdj 

a  long  examination 
i  '  ~  every  1.  rd  prel-l 
inefted         knowj 
t«iu  ;  without   hefitn-l 
r  might  publifli  them 
iience  of  this  permif-l 
wsokfeller  }  but  whcnj 
prefs,  an  order  wasl 
quiring  me  to  deliver,] 
ation   office,    aU<  sriyi 
C  hartal 


INTRODUCTION. 


ft 


larts  and  Journals,  with  every  paper  relative  to  the 
coverics  I  had  made.  In  order  to  obey  this  tom- 
ind,  i  was  obliged  to  repurchafc  thtm  from  the 
Teller  ^t  a  very  great  cxpcnfe,  and  deliver  them 
Tiiis  frcflh  difburfcmcnt  I  endeavored  to  get 
|jcxed  to  the  account  I  had  already  delivered  in  ; 
the  requeft  wis  denied  mc,  nQtwIthibmding  I 
only  ft£tcd,  in  the  diipoi^d  oftiiy  papers,  con- 
nably  to  the  pcrmiflion  I  had  received  from  the 
rd  of  trade,  'I'his  lofs,  which  amounted  to  a  very 
liitlerable  fum,  I  was  obliged  to  bear,  and  to  refl 
Isfied  jvith ,  an  indemnitication  for  my  other  ex- 
lifes.    -   %\i 

Thus  fitutted,  my  only  expecflatlons  jtre  from  the 

hr  of  a  generous  public  ;  to   whom  I  fliall  now 

jcmunicate  my  Plans,  Journals,  and  Obfervations, 

which  I  luckily  kept  copies,  when  I  delivered  the 

jinals  into  the  pbntation  ollicc.     And   this   I  do 

more  readily,  as  I  hear  they  are  tniflaid  }  and 

bre  is  no  probability  of  their  ever  being  published. 

b  thofe  who  are  inter efted  in  the  concerns  of  the 

brior  parts,  of  North  America,  from  the  contiguity 

!  their  pofleflions,  or  commercial  engagements,  they 

II  be  extremely  ufeful,  and  fully  repay  the  fum  at 

iich  they  are  purchafed.     To  thofe,  who,  from  a 

Bdable  curiofity,  wifli  to  be  acquainted  with  the 

anners   and  cuftoms  of  every   inhabitant   of  this 

3be,  the  acconnts  here  given  of  the  various  nations 

at  inhabit  fo  vaft  a  traft  of  it,  a  country  hitherto 

loft   unexpl  ired,  will  furnifh  an  ample  fund  of 

lufement,  and  gratify  their  moft  curious  expeaa- 

bns.     And  I  flatter  myfelf  they  will  be  as  favorably 

Iceivcd  by  the   public,  as  defcriptions   of    iflands, 

Jnch  afford  no  other  entertainment  than  what  arifes 

>m   their   novekv  ;  ajid  dJfcovertss.  th=<-  il".-rr-.   t^.^ 

3mife  very  few  advantages  to  this  country,  though 

Iquired  at  an  immenfe  expenfe. 

To  make  the  following  work  as,  comprehenfibJc 


12 


INTRODUCTION. 


^y 


and  entertaining  as  pofTible,  I  fliall  firft  give  mv*ead. 
ers  an  account  of  the  route  I  purfued  over  this  im- 
menfe  continent,  and  as  I  pafs  on,  defcribe  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants,  the  fituations  of  the  rivers  and 
lakes,  and  the  produaions  of  the  countrv.  Havina 
dons  this,  I  fhall  treat,  in  diftin^  chapters,  of  the 
manners,  cuftoms,  and  languages  of  the  Indians,  and 
to  complete  the  whole,  add  a  vocabulary  of  the  words 
moftly  in  ufe  among  them.     •>*.•  ;m.       ^t 

And  here  it  is  neceffary  to  befpeak  the  candor  of 
the  learned  part  of  my  readers  in  the  perufal  of  it,  as 
It  .3  the  produftion  of  a  perfon  unufed,  from  oppo- 
Ute   avocations,   to  literary  purfuits.      He  therefore 
begs  they  would  not  examine  it  with  too  critical  an 
eye  ;  efpecially  when  he  alTures  them  that  his  atten- 
tion has  been  more  employed  on  giving  a  juft  de- 
fcription  of  a  country  that  promifes,  in  fome  future 
period,  to  be  an  inexhauftible  fource  of  riches  to  that 
people  who  fhall  be  fo  fortunate  as  to  pbfTefs  it,  than 
on  the  ftyle  or  compofition  ;  and  more  careful  to  ren- 
der .i,s  language  intelligible  and  explicit,  than  fmootb 
and  florid. 


A  JOURKAL. 


,!•«?!. 


It, 


4 


JOURNAL 

OF    THE 

TIR  A  VE  L  S, 

^*  WITH    A 

DESCRIPTION 


or    TBS 


COITNTRT,  LAKES,   isfc: 


In  June  iy66,  I  fct  out  from  Bofton,  and  pr<H 
eeeded  by  ^vzy  of  Albany  and  Niagara,  to  MichilUmack- 
inac,  a  fort  fituated  between  the  lakes  Huron  and 
Michigan,  and  diftant  from  Bofton  1300  miles.  This 
being  the  uttermoft  of  our  faftories  towards  the  north- 
weft,  I  confidered  it  as  the  moft  convenient  place  from 
Whence  I  could  begin  my  intended  progrefs,  and  enter 
at  once  into  the  regions  I  defigued  to  explore. 

Keferring  my  readers  to  the  publications  already 
extant  for  an  account  of  thdfe  parts  of  North  Amer- 
ica, that  from  lying  adjacent  to  the  back  feftlements, 
have  beerv  frequently  defcribed,  I  fhall  confine  my! 
•r  ^^.I'^f^^m^on  of  the  more  interior  parts  of 
It,  which,  having  been  but  feldom  vifited,  are  confe- 
quently  but  little  known.  In  doing  this,  I  fl,all  in 
"^m^^""'',  exceed  the  bounds  of  truth,  ir  have  re- 
too'oft^n  ^T  '"^'^^^^"^  extravagant  exaggerations 
XvT.r^^  °^^5^  ''■^^""^'*^'  ^°  excite  the  curi- 
-nce.    isor  ihall  I  mfert  any  oblei-vations,  but  fach 

B 

as 


14 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


as  I  have  made  myfelf,  or  from  the  credibilltv  nrfh.r 
.    M'chillimackinac,  from  whence  I  be^an  mv  fmv.i 

^pofoi  to  receive  its  name  f,om  an  ifland,  yin|abo„' 
iix  or  feven  miles  to  the  northeaft,  withinViL  of  h   ' 

..«       a^r^^''"^'""  ^''^^  '^^^t  followed  foon  after  the 
conqueft  of  Canada,  in  the  year  1763,  and  wh   h  w  ' 

S  of  r  ^l  ^"^  '^"^y  °^  <=o»fedcrate^;ationsTccSpo^ 
eel  of  the  H«ron«,  Miamies,  Chipeways,   OttS    ' 
Pontowattimies,  Miffiflauges,  and  fome  ^ther  tX 
under  the  direction  of  Pon  iac,  a  celebrated  S' 
warnor  wJiohad  always  been  in  tL  Sench  intS 
It  was  taken  by  furprife  in  th.  folding  mannrth^ 
Indum  havmg  fettled  their  plan,  drew  near  tISe' fort 
and  begatj  a  game  at  ball,  a  paftime  much  ufed  anio^l' 
them,  and  not  unlike  tennis.      In  the  height  nfth2 ' 
game,  at  which  fome  of  the  Engh^^S  ;4tt^ 

•b'lfl7h  '"'^'^^^^  ^<^°k-g  on,  theyAruckthei 
ball,  as  It  by  accident,  over  the  blockade:  this  thev 
repeated  two  or  three  times,  to  make  the  d  cS' 

ed  every^fulpicion  of  the  century  at  the  fo^itsate  a 
party  rujed  by  him ;  and.  the  reft  foon  foSf  hW  i 
took  poffeffion  of  the  fort,  without  meetinH^fh  any 
oppofition.     Having  accompiiihed  their  dcfitn,  the  In  ' 
dians  had  the  humnnSfv  to  f — -  *k^  i;--    ^P' 

c^  part  of  the  ga^^iiin  anrt;a£s;l;t"h^i:^' 
them  all  pnfoners,  and  (parried  them  otf.  However^  fon 

fc.  time 


VELS. 

^e  credibility  of  thofc 
enabled  to  vouch  for 

I  began  my  travels, 
ckade,  and  is  ufually 
idred  men.     It  con- 
i^hich  l??Iongs  to  the 
smmillary.     Several 
:atio»j,  whofindita 
th  the  neighboring 
le  language  of  the  ^ 
'ife,  and  the  place  is  il 
n  illand,  lying  about 

withi-i  fight  of  the 
lat  a'ni nal.. 
)wed  foon  after  the 
63,  nnd  which  was 
:e  nations,  cowipof- 
eways,  Ottowaws, 
fome  iather  tribes, 

celebrated  Indian 
e  French  intereft, 
nng  manner  :   the 
rew  near  the  fort, 
much  ufed  among 
be  height  of  their 
h  officers,  not  fuf- 
^,  they  Aruck  the 
ackade  j  this  they 
ke  the  deception 
jy  this  means  lull- 

the  foinJ^  gate,  a 
on  following,  they 
Meeting  with  any 
t\r  dcfign,  the  In- 
i vcs  Qi  rnc  great-  1 

but  they  made 

r.  However^  fome 

'     time 


carver's  travels. 


15 

le  after  they  took  them  to  Montreal,  where  they 

ere  redeemed  at  a  good  price.  '   The  fort  alfo  was 

[iven  up  agam  to  the  Englifli,at  the  peace  made  with 

ontiac,  by  the  commander  of  Detroit  the  year  foU 

lowmg.  ' 

Plaving  here  made  the   neceflary   difpoCtiofts  for 

Ipurlumg  my   travels,  and  obtained  a  credit  from  Mr 

Rogers,  the  Governor,  on  fome  Englifh  and  Canadian 

traders,  who  were  going  to  trade  on  the  Miffifippi,  and 

[received  alio  from  him  a  promife  of  a  frefh  fiipply  of 

•goods  when' I  reached  the  falls  of  St.  Anthony.     Ileft 

^!w  /'/"  *^T  3^  °^  September,  in  compiiy  with 

.thefe  traders.     It  was  agreed  that  they  fhould  furnifh 

G!  r'^     f-  f''^^  ^?  ^  ''''S^'  ^^"^>  ^«r  prefents  to 
me  Indian  chiefs,  during  my  continuance  with  them 
agreeable  to  tlfe  Governor's  order.     But  when  i  arriv! 
ed  at  the  extent  of  their  route,  I  was  to  find  othei^ 
guides,  and  to  depend  on  the  goods  the  Governor  had 
promifedtofupplyniewith.  ^™or  naa. 

We  accordingly  fct  out  togetlier,  and  on  the  1 8th 
,mived  at  Jort  La  Bpy.      itis  fort*  is  fitua"ed  on  fhe 

ttnce  the  Enghfli  have  gamed  poilcffion  of  aU  the  f^-t- 
tents  on  this  part  of  the  continent,  is  caUcd  bv 
Itiiem,  the  Green  Bay.      The  reafon  of  its  beit  thus 
«enommated,  is  from  its  appearance  ;  fo|-  3aW    ' 
Michxllniackmacin  the  fpring feafon,  thou^8i,^he T/eef 
there  have  not  even  put  forth  their  buds,  ^t  vou  fin 
the  counfry  around  La  Bay,  notwithAandS  Se  paf 
fage  has  not  exceeded  fourteen  days,  coyered^w  h  die 

Hunn  It ,  and  when  Canada  and  its  dependencies 

,        were 


i6 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


were  furrendcrcd  to  the  Engli/h,  it  was  immediately  I 
gamfoned  with  an  oflker  and  thirty  men.     Thcic 
were  made  pnfoners  by  the  Menomc^nies  foon  aftcrthc 
fmprife  of  Michillimackinac,  and  the  fort  has  neither 
been  gamfoned  or  kept  in  repair  fince. 

The  bay  is  about  ninety  miles  long,  but  dIfFers  mtich ! 
m  Its  breadth  ;  bemg  in  fome  places  only  fifteen  miles. 
I  ^  ,  ni  others  from  twenty  to  thirty.  It  lies  nearly  from 
northeaft  to  fouthwert.  At  the  entrance  of  it  from 
the  lake  are  a  ftring  of  iflands,  extending  from  north 
to  fouth,  caUed  the  Grand  Traverfe.  Thefe  are  about 
thirty  miles  m  length,  and  ferve  to  facilitate  the  palTage 
ot  canoes,  as  they  ilielter  them  from  the  winds,  which 
lometimcs  come  wiih  violence  acrofs  the  lake.  On 
the  fide  that  lies  to  the  foutheaft  is  the  neareft  and  befti 
navigation. 

*  The  Iflands  of  the  Grand  Traverfe  are  moftly  fmall  'i 

.      and  rocky.     Many  of  the  rocks  are  of  an  amazing  fizc,  ^^ 

and  appear  as  if  they  had  beei  fafhioned  by  the  hands 

of  attifts.     On  the  largcft  and  beft  of  thefe.  iflands  v 

ftands  a  town  of  the  Ottowaws,  at  which  I  found  one'^ 

of  the  moll  confiderable  chiefs  of  that  nation,  who  re-'" 

ceired  me  with  every  honor  he  could  poffibly  ftiow  tol 

a  ftrangcr.     But  what  appeared  extremely  fingular  tJ 

rtie  at  the  time,  and  muft  do  fo  to  every  i^erfon  unac' 

quainted  with  the  cuftoms  of  the  Indians,  was  the^s 

receptioa  1  met  with  on  landing.     As  our  canoes  ap.| 

proached  tile  ilvore,  and  had  reached  within  abom  ^ 

three  fcore  rods  of  it,  the  Indians  began  a  fue-de-joy  ti 

m  which  they  fired  jheir  piccec  loaded  with  balls  ;  biitl 

at  the  fame  time  they  took  care  to  difcharge  them  in! 

luch  f  manner  as  to  fly  a  few  yards  abo\*  our  heads  • 

during  this  ihey  ran  from  one  tree  or  ftump  to  anoth-i 

er,  fhoutmg  and  behaving  as  if  they  were  in  the  heat 

M  battle.     At  firft  I  was  greatly  furprifed,  and  was  on 

I"'""  ••'  •"-•-'-- "-jj  ^ii/  "iiv*.uu«»;3  lu  ictuiii  their  rire.i 

concluding  that  their  intentions  were  hoftile  ;  but  bej 

mg  undeceived -by  fome^  the  traders,  who  informedj 


CARVER^s  TRAVELS. 


»7 


le  that  this  was  their  ufual  method  of  receiving  the 
chiefs  of  other  nations,  I  confxdered  it  in  its  true  linht, 
and  was  pleafed  v/ith  the  reipeft  thus  paid  me. 

I  remained  here  one  night.      Among  the  prefents  I 
lade  the  chiefs,  were  fome  fi)irituous  'iiiuois  ;  with 
Much  they  made  themfelves  merry,  and  all  joined  in  a 
dance,  that  lafted  the  greatcft  part  oC  lac  nioht.     In 
fche  mornmg,  when  I  departed,  the  chf^^att-mded  me  to      ' 
the  fhore,  and,  as  foon  as  I  n..d  eniN?.rkect  offf  rod  up 
In  an  audible  voice,  and  with  ^rcat  u-leinA,  a  fervent 
■prayer  m  my  behalf.      He  prayed    '«  that  tk^  Great 
Jpint  would  favor  me  with  a  prolberous  vodkre  :  that 
ie  would  give  me  an  unclouded  Iky,  and  fmooth  wa- 
lers  by  day,  and  that  I  might  lie  down  by  night,  on  a 
feaver  blanket,  enjoying  uninterrupted  fleep  and  pleaf-  # 
Ijit  dreams  ;  and  alfo  that  I  might  find  continual  pro- 
taion  under  the  great  pipe  of  peace."     In  this  man-*- 
Jelr  them"*'"''      ^^  petitions  till  I  could  no  longer 

J  muft  here  obferve,  that  notwithftanding  the  in- 
habitants  of  Europe  are  apt  to  entertain  horrid  ideas  of 
^e  ferocity  of  thefe  lavages,  as  they  are  termed,  I  re-     ■ 

thrl^Tr'^''^  '''^I  °^  '^^"^  '"  ^he  interior  parts, 
fhe  moft  hofpitable  and  courteous  treatment  ;  and  am 

C:r'\  'r''  •'•"  ^^">'  ^^^  contaminated  by  Se  Z 

Kbnr.  .K  P'^'-u "'  'i*^"^"  ^^  '^''''  ^«re  refined 
^Jghbors,  they  will  retain  f  his  friendly  and  inoffenfive 

Mua  towards  ftra:.ger..  Their  invLracy  and  c ru' 
Ihl  ^'r  ^"'f^'''*  ^  acknowledge  to  be  a  creat 
fcarrftL''''r°'t^^^/P''"'^"  '  '°"IJ  -ifl^  tfen- 
fc  receted^ll  t  ^'^^'^  ^'?"S  is  hereditary,  and  hat- 
K  ooL  '"'^°;  ^^  inmiemorirl  cuftom,  has 
^^aken  too  deep  root  m  their  minds  to  be  eafily  extir-     .  ' 

brea?   xUZf ■  '  "''  °'  "  ""^  """-nnion  kind 

«  the,  ,e™  i,,  Z:^"^  ^W'?™J„;'"  */."■"'' 


B  2 


3^i\  before.it  begins  to  ripen, 

they 


i8 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


t^^ 


they  (lice  off  the  kernels  from  the  cob  to  which  they 
grow,  and  knead  them  into  a  parte.      This  they  aref 
enabled  to  do  without  the  addition  of  any  liquid,  by 
the  milk  that  flows  from  them  ;    and  when  it  is  efJ 
feaed,  they  parcel  it   out  into  cakes,  and  enclofing 
them  m  leaves  of  the  baflwood  tree,  place  them  in  hot] 
embers,  wherc^ey  are  foon  baked.     And  better  fla-l 
Vored  bread  I  flWer  ate  in  any  country. 
•    This  pla^is  only  a  fmall  village  containing  aboutl 
twenty  fiv«bufes  and  fixty  or  feventy  warriors,     ij 
found  nothing  there  worthy  of  further  remark. 

Ih^piad.  on  the  foutheaft  fide  of  the  Green  bay,  is' 
but  very  indifferent,  being  overfpread   with  a  hea\y  i 
growth  of  hemlock,  pine,  fpruce,  and  fir  trees.     The'''l 
communication  between  Lake  Michigan  and  the  Green  ' 
J!^  ^ayi  has  been  reported  by  fdme  to  be  imprafticable,  for 
the  paffage  of  any  veffels  larger  than  canoes  or  boats, 
on  account  of  the  fhoals  that  lie  between  the  iflands  in  . 
the  Grand  Traverfe  ;  but  on  founding  it  I  found  fuf-  "^ 
iicient  depth  for  a  veffel  of  fixty  tons,  and  the  breadth 
proportionable. 

The  iMid  adjoining  to  the  bottom  of  this  bay  is  very  ft 
fertile,  the  country  in  general  level,  and  the  perfpeaivc^^i 
view  of  it  pleafing  and  extenfive. 

A  few  families  live  in  the  fort,  which  lies  on  tlic 
weft  fide  of  the  Fox  river,  and  oppofite  to  it,  on  tJi. 
eaft  fide  of  its  entrance,  are  forae  French  fettlcrs  who 
cultivate  the  land,  and  appear  to  live  very  comfortably! 
The  Green  bay  or  bay  of  Puants  is  one  of  tholei 
places  to  which  the  French,  ^f  I  have  mentioned  inthJ 
Bitrodu^ion,  have  given  nickriames.  It^is  termed  b^ 
the  inhabitants  of  its  coafts,  the  Menomonia  Bay ;  but] 
w'ly  the  French  have  denominated  it  the  Pnant  .. 
Stinking  bay,  I  know  not.    The  reafon  they  themJ 

• 'fflwps  rt%vi^  fat'  -it     fc.   tKa*  .i«>    «i'ic   'n>\4-    «»^ 


F»^*l« 


rivvt 


miflead  ftrangers,   *^ut  that  by   adopting  this  mcthod| 
'  tli^  could  ctmverfe  with  each  other 


thd 


concerning 
Indians,  ii^  xJSiRiT  pref«i?e  without  being  \ji«Jcrftood 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


^ 


tem.  For  it  was  remarked  by  the  perfons  who  firft 
raded  among  them)  that  when  they  were  fpeaking  to 
Bch  other  about  them,  and  mentioned  their  proper 
lames  they  inftantly  grew  fufpicious,  and  concluded 
Ixat  their  vifitors  were  either  fpeaking  ill  of  them,  or 
lotting  their  deftruftion.  To  remedy  this  they  gave 
kern  fome  other  name.  The  only  bad  confequences 
rifing  from  the  pradice  then  introduced  is,  that  Eng- 
lili  and  French  geographers,  in  their  plans  of  the  in- 
Wior  parts  of  America,  giVe  different  names  to  thei 
|me  people,  and  thereby  perplex  thofe  who  have  o^f 
>fion  to  refer  to  them. 

Lake  Michigan,  of  which  the  Green  Bay  is  a  part,  is 
Ivided  on  the  northeaft  from  Lake  Huron  by  the 
raits  of  Michillimackinac  j  and  is  fituated  between 
rty  two  and  forty  fix  degrees  of  latitude,  and  bfr. 
fetn  eighty  four  and  eighty  feven  degrees  of  weft 
^gitude.  Its  greateft  length  is  two  hundred  and 
jhty  miles,  its  breadth  about  forty,  and  its  circum- 
Irence  nearly  fix  hundred.  There  is  a  remarkable 
Iring  of  fmall  iflands  beginning  over  againft  Aikin's 
Srm,  and  running  about  thirty  miles  fouthweft  into 
lie  lake.  Thefe  are  called  the  Beaver  Iflands.  Their 
tuation  is  very  pleafant,  but  the  foil  is  bare.  ,  How- 
irer  they  afford  a  beautiful  profpeft. 
On  the  northweft  parts.of  this  lake  the  waters  branch 
it  into  two  bays.  That  which  lies  towards  the  north 
the  bay  of  Noi^ets,  and  the  other  the  Green  Bay 
^ft  defcribed,  s^^j,, ., 

Tije  waters  of  tliis  as  well  as  the  other  great  lakes 
\xe  clear  and  wholefome,  and  of  Sufficient  depthfor 
\e  navigation  of  large  flaps.  Half  the  ipacc  of  the 
Icjmtry  diat  lies  tp  ,the,  eail,  and  extends  to  Lake  Hu^ 
>n,  belongs  to  the  Ottowaw  Indiaiis.    TWlime  tiiat 

^  iiorth  and  Jouth,  and  r^achqi  aUnoft  from  the  fouth- 

trn  extremity  of  this  lake  acrofe  the  higji  ksyds^^to 

^tliiJiiw^Qkiaac,  tliroughiOi^^jcentre  of  wbigkit.pafiefc 

'  So 


4*6 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


So  that  when  thefe  two  tribes  happen  to  meet  at  the.^ 
faitory,  they  each  encamp  on  their  own  dominions, 
a  few  yards  diftance  from  the  blockade. 

The  country  adjacent,  either  to  the  caft  br  weft  fide! 
ot  the  lake,  IS  compofed  but  of  an  indifferent  foil,  exJ 
cept  where  fmall  brooks  or  rivers  empty  themfelves  into! 
It  ;  on  the  banks  of  thefe  it  is  extremely  fertile.     Ncarl 
the  borders  of  the  lake  grow  a  great  number  of  fand' 
cherries,  which  are  not  kfs  remarkable  for  their  manner  i 
Ot  growth,  than  for  their  exquifite  flavor.     They  crow  i 
upon  a  fmall  ihrub,  not  more  than  fouf  feet  highT  tlie  J 
boughs  of  which  are  fo  loaded  that  they  lie  in  clufteni' 
on  the  fand.  As  they  grow  only  on  the  fand,  the  warmth  - 
of  which  probably  contributes  ;o  bring  them  to  fuch 
perfeftion  ;  they  are  called  by  the  French,  cherries  de 
fable,  or  fand  cherries.     The  fize  of  them  does  not  ex- 
Cecd  that  of  a  fmall  mufket  ball,  but  they  are  reckoned 
fupenor  taany  other  fort  for  the  purpofe  of  fteepinrr  in 
Ipirits.     There  alfcf  grow  around  the  lake,  goofeberrie." 
black  currants,  and  an  abundance  of  juniper,  bearing 
great  quantities  of  berries  of  the  fineft  fort.  ^ 

Sumack  iikewife  grows  here  in  great  plenty  ;  the> ' 
leaf  of  which,  gathered  at  Michaelmas,  when  it  turnr-. 
red,  IS  much  efteemed  by  the  natives.     They  mix'^f 
about  an  equal  quantity  of  it  with  their  tobacco,  which' 
caufes  ,t  to  fmoke  pleafantly.     Near  this  lake,  and  in/ 
deed  about  all  the  great  lakes,  is  found  a  kind  of  ml 
low,  termed  by  the  French,  bois  rouge,  in  Englifh,  rd 
wood.     Its  bark,  when  only  of  one  year's  growth,  is  ( 
a  line  fear  et  color,  and  appears  very  beautiftil  j  but  as. 
It  growvolder,  it  ehanges  into  a  mixture  of  grey  and 
red.     The  ftalks  of  this  ihrub  grow  many  of  them  toJ 
gether,  and- rife  to  the  height  of  fix  or  eight  feet,  thc^ 
largeft  not  exceeding  an  inch  in  diamater.     The  bark„ 
being  fcraped  from  the  fticks.  nnd  ^-i-  i  «"^  .,-.^j^  ^ 
ed,  IS  alfo  mixed  by  the  Indians  with  their  fJbacco, 
and  IS  held  by  them  in  the  higheft  eftimation,  forth 
Winter  fmoking.     A  weed  that  grows  near  the  great) 

lakes,! 


% 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


«l? 


tcs,  In  rocky  places,  they  ufe  in  the  fummer  feafon. 
is  called  by  the  Indians,  Scgockimac,  and  creeps 
pe  a  vine  on  the  ground,  fomctimes  extending  to 
ght  or  ten  feet,  and  bearing  a  leaf  about  the  fize  of 
River  penny,  nearly  round  ;  it  is  of  the  fubftance  and 
lor  of  the  laurel,  and  is,  like  the  tree  it  rcfcmbles, 
!  evergreen.  Thcfe  leaves,  dried  and  powdered,  they 
Ewife  mix  with  their  tobacco  ;  and  as  faid  before, 
akc  it  only  during  the  fummer.  By  thefe  three 
bcedaneums,  the  pipes  of  the  Indians  are  well  fuppli- 
•  through  every  feafon  of  the  year  ;  and  as  they  are 
jtat  fmokcrs,  they  are  very  careful  in  properly  gath- 
Ing  and  preparing  them. 

')n  the  2oth  of  September,  I  left  the  Green  Bay, 
procecdetl  up  Fox  river,  ftiil  in  company  with  the 
iers  and  fome  Indians.     On  the  25th  I  arrived  at 
great  town  of  the  Winncbagocs,  fituated  on  a  fmall 
id,  juft  as  you  enter  the  caft  end  of  the  lake  Win- 
bago.    Here  the  queen  who  prefided  over  this  tribe 
\tzd  of  a  Sachem,  received  me  with  great  civility,. 
i  entertained  me  m  a  very  diftinguifhed  manner,, 
iring  the  four  days  I  continued  with  her. 
TThe  day  after  my  arrival  I  held  a  council  with  the 
5efs,  of  wliom  I  afked  permilfion  to  pafs  through 
eir  country,  in  my  way  to  more  remote  nations,  on 
sfmefs  of  importance.     This  was  readily  granted,  me, 
e  requcft  being  efteemed  by  them  as  a  great  compU- 
ent  paid  to  their  tribe.     The  queen  fat  in  the  coiin- 
j,  but  only  a£ked  a  few  queftions,  or  gave  fome  trifling 
reaions  in  matters  relative  to  the  Itate  j  for  womeii 
e  never  allowed  to  fit  in  their  councils,  except  they. 
Ippen  to  be  invcfted  with  the  fuprcme  authority,  and 
en  It  is  not  cuftomary  for  them  to  make  any  formal 
sechcs  as  the  chiefs  do.     She  was  a  very  ancient 
pman,  fmall  in  ftature,  and  not  much  diftinsnUhcd 
her  drel^  trom  leveral  young  women  that  auended 
Ir.     Thefe  her  attendants   feemed    gready   pleafed 
lencver  I  ihowed  any  tokens  of  refpeft  to  their  queen, 

particularly 


23 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


particularly  when  I  faluted  her,  which  I  fren„<.«f1„  j-, 

thefc  mquines,  I  have  reafon   to  conclude    thatT 
Winnebagoes  onginally  refided  in  feme  of'th-nrn 
mces  belonging  to  Ne'w  Mexico  ...U  l^„f  if:;,; 
from   the.r  native  country,  either  by  inteft^o  dh 
fions,  or  by  the^  extenfions  of  the  SpLi^  c^Lcft  " 

My  reafons  for  adopting  this  fuppofition    are    Irft 

inaians  (who,  they  fay,  eave  them  the  earlieft  fuccnr 
dunng  thexr  emigration)  wotwithftandi.yTheir  pr/f 

Secondly  that  their  dialed  totally  aiffers  from  er« 
ry  other  Indian  nation  yet  difcovered  j  ft^innve.^* 
uncouth  guttural  jargon,  which  none  of  Snd^^ 

natrons  in  the  Chipeway  tongue,  which  is  the  nr^,„i  ' 
;"«  !-«"/g^  throughout  all  ^hJ  tribes,  f  om  tSe  £ 

the  Mi^r^>^''  r  1^°^^  ^^«  •"^^'^'t  the^orders  d 
the  M.ffifipp,,  and  from  the  Hurons  and  lUindsto 
fuch  as  dwell  near  Hudfon's  Bay  i 

iar^''somfT^i^''' T'^'T  ^^^^^^'^  to  the  Span- 
laras.     borne    f  them  informed  me  that  thev  hid  ma 

the  hpirl  «f  *;a  "^  "^  '^"-v.-  «gG,  ne  xnarched  at 
tfiree  moons.      That  during  this  expedition,  whilft 

they 


lVELS. 

'hich  I  frequently  did 
iccafions  the  good  old 
lile  gaiety,  and  by  her 
:afed  with  the  attcn- 

>loyed  in  making  the 
country,  and  in  col- 
nee  I  could,  of  .the 
this  people.  From 
'  concludcj  that  th, 
I  feme  of  thv-  prov- 
\  ■^nd  being  (irven 
T  by  inteftni?  divi- 
:  Spanifh  conqucfts,:™ 
)rthern  parts,  about  | 

ppofition,  are,  ."irft, . 
to  the  Naudoweflie 
I  the  earlieft  Aiccor ; 
nding  their  prefem  % 
miles  diiiant  from 


y  aiffers  from  ere., 
:d  ;  it  being  a  veiy  i 
me  of  their  neigh- 1 
onverfe  with  other  j 
iich  is  the  prevail-; 
bes,  from  the  Mo-  \ 
abit  the  borders  of| 
3ns  and  Illinois  to 

atred  to  the  Span- 
that  they  liad  ma- 
:h  took  up  feveral 
ularly   acquainted 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


aa 


J)  lie  iiiarcnea  at 

ic  fouthweft,  for 

xpcdition,  whilft 

they 


jy  were  croffing  a  plain,   thqy  difcovered  a  bndy  t,i 
m  on  horfcback,  who  belonged  to  the  Black  People  ; 
■  fo  they  call  the  Spaniards.     As  foon  as  they  pcr- 
ipved  them,  they  proceeded  with  caution,  and  c.ni- 
**»lcd  themfelves  till  night  came  on  j  when  they  drew 
lear  as  to  be  able  to  difcern  the  number  and  fitu^- 
of  their  enemies.     Finding  they  were  not  able  to 
^    with  fo  great  a  fuperiority  by  daylight,  they 
Ited  till  they  had  retired  to  reft  ;  when  they  ruflied 
>n  them,  and,  after  having  killed  the  greateft  part 
the  men,  took  eighty  horles  loaded  with  what  they 
ned  white  ftone.      This  I  fuppdfe  to  have  been 
;r,  as  he  told  me  ..the  horfes  were  fhod  widi  it,  and 
their  bridles  were  ornamented   with  the  fame, 
len  they  had  fatiated  their  revenge,  they  carried  off 
ir  fpoil,  and  being  got  fo  far  as  to  be  out  of  the 
h  of  tixe  Spaniards  that  had   efcaped   their  fury, 
r  left   thw   ufelefs  and  ponderous  burthen,   with 
ich  the   horfes  were  loaded,  in   the  woods,  and 
luntmg  themfelves,  in  this  manner  returned  to  their 
mds.     The  paity  they  had   thus  defeated,  I  con- 
leto  be  the  caravan  that  annually  conveys  to  Mex- 
[,  the  filver  which  the  Spaniards  find  in  great  quan- 
ts on  the  mountains  lying  near  the  heads  of  the 
leredo  River  :  and  the  plains  where  the  attack  was 
ie,  probably  fome  they  were  obliged  to  pafs  ov^r  in 
ir  way  to  the  heads  of  the  river  St.  Fee,  or  Rio  dpi 

fhe  Miffifi  f '"'°  '^^  *^"^  ""^  ^'*^'^*  *^  '^^  '^^^ 
r  ors.  1  hew  town  contains,  about  fifty  houfes, 
which  It  ,s  fituated,  nearly  fifty  acres.     It  lies  thir- 

nvcr,  xor  about  tour  or  five  mUes  from  the  bay, 

entle  current  •.  after  that  fnar^    fjn „_:i- 

Winneba 


wgo  Lake,  it  is  full  of  rogks  and' 


very 

rapid. 


24 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


rapid.  At  many  places  we  werr<5bllged  to  land  nu.] 
canoes,  and  carry  them  a  confiderable  way.  Its  breadtli 
in  general,  from  the  Green  bay  to  the  Winnehag'^ 
liake,  is  brtwcen  feventy  and  a  hundred  yards  :  tli| 
land  ©..  its  borders  very  good,  and  thinly  wooded  \vi;| 
hickory,  oak  and  hazel. 

The  Winnebago   Lake  is  about  fifteen  miles  loii/^i 
from  eaft  to  weft,  and  fix  miles  wide.     At  its  fouth  U 
eaft   comer,  a   river   falls   into   it  that  takes  its  ri^ 
near  fome  of  the  northern   branches  of  the  Illiiio, 
River.      This  I  called  the  Crocodile  River,  in  confcj 
quence  of  a  ftory  that  prevails  among  the  Indians,  ( 
their   having  dclb-oyed,  in  fome  part'of  it,  an  anini. 
which '  from  their  defcription  muft   be  a  crocodile  ( 
an  alligator.  ^1^ 

The   land   adjacent   to  the  Lake   is   very    fertil;'*^ 
abounding  with  grapes,  plums,  and  other  fruits,  whic 
grow  fpontaneoufly.      The  Winncbagoes  raife  on 
a  great  quantity  of  Indian   corn,    beans,   pumpkin;   , 
fquafhes  and  watermelons,  with  fome  tobacco.     Tliiai 
Lake  itfelf  abounds  with  fifli,  and  in  the  fall  of  ti| 
year,  with  geefe,  ducks  and  teal.      The  latter,  whii, 
refort  to  it  in  great  numbers,  are  remarkably  goodaJ 
extremely  fat,  and  arc  much  better  flavored  than  thof 
that  are  found  near  the  fea,  as  they  acquire  their  a 
ceffive  fatnefs  by  feeding  on  the  wild  rice,  which  grod 
fo  plentifully  in  thefe  parts. 

Having  made  fome  acceptable  prcfents  to  the  go. 
«ld  queen,  and  received  her  blefling,  I  left  the  townt 
the  Winncbagoes  on  the  29th  of  September,  and  aboJ 
twelve  miles  from  it,  arrived  at  the  place  where  tJ 
Fox  River  enters  the  Lake,  on  the  north  fide  of  i 
We  proceeded  up  this  river,  and  on  the  7th  of  Oftj 
ber  reached  the  great  Carrying  Place,  which  divid 
it  from  the  Ouifconfin. 

X  mc  r oa  Ki vci  ,  iroiri  the  oreen  Bay  to  the 
ing  Place,  is  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  mili^ 
From  the  Wmnebago  Lake  to  the  Carrying^  Place 


AVELS. 

T  obliged  to  land  nvf^^ 
rable  way.  Its  breadtli. 
xy  to  the  Winnel>n|r 
a  hundred  yards  :  tl; 
ind  thinly  wooded  wi 

bout  fifteen  miles  lf)i 
s  ^vide.  At  its  fouti 
>  it  that  takes  its  n 
•anches  of  the  lUiiv 
odile  River,  in  conk 
among  the  Indians,  i 
2  part  of  it,  an  aninu« 
uft  be  a  crocodile  J 

Lake   18   very    fcrtili 
ind  other  fruits,  whic 
nncbagoes  raife  on 
rn,   beans,   pumpkin 
h  fome  tobacco.     Iks 
and  in  the  fall  of  tfe 
1.      The  latter,  vrhi^ 
i  remarkably  good  aa^ 
ter  flavored  than  tho| 
hey  acquire  their 
wild  rice,  which  groi^ 

:  prefents  to  the  go 
ing,  I  left  the  town  ^ 
September,  and  ab 
t  the  place  where  i 
the  north  fide  ofi 
I  on  the  7th  of  Oi 
Place,  which  divid| 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


as 


pj-cnt  is  gentle,  ^d  tUe  depth  of  it  confiderable  • 
^twithftanding  which,  it  is  in  fome  places  with  diffi! 
jlty  tJiat  canoes  can  pafs  through  the  obllruaions 
[ey  meet  witli  from  ^hc  rice  ftalks,  which  are  very 
|ge  and  thick,  and  grow  here  in  great  abundance. 
he  country  around  it  is  very  fertile,  and  proper  in  the 
?heft  degree  for  cultivation,  excepting  in  fonie  places 
UP  tlie  river,  where  it  is  rather  too  low.  It  is  in  no 
very  woody,  and  yet  can  fupply  fufficicnt  to  an- 
the  demands  of  any  number  of  inhabitants.  This 
:r  IS  the  greateft  rcfort  for  wild  fowl  of  every  kind. 
It  I  met  with  in  the  whole  courfe  pf  my  tvuvels  * 
luontly  th^  fun  would  be  obfturc^  by  them  for 
Kc  minutes  together. 

}^°"i.*°^'y  miles  up  this  river,  fron*  the  great  town 
lie  Wmncbagoes,  ftanUs  a  fmaUer  town  belonging 
hat  nation.  ®    ^  - 

>eer  and  bears  are  veiy  numerous  in  thcfe  parts 
a  great  many  beavers  ;,:ul  other  furs  aie  taken  ou 
ilreams  that  empty  themfelves  into  this  river. 
I  he  river  I  am  treating  of,  is  remai-kable  fbr  havinc 
1  about  eiglity  years  ago,  the  refidence  of  the  unit- 
)andsof  the  Ottigaumies  and  the  Saukics,  whom 
l^rench  had  nicknamed,  according  to  their  wonted 
tom,  Des  Sacs  and  Des  Reynards,  the  Sacs  and 
i^oxes,  of  whom  the  following  anecdote  was  relat- 
o  me  by  an  Indian. 

.bout  fixty  years  ago,  the  French  mimonimes  and 

lers  havmg  received  many  infults  from  thefe  peo- 

a  party  of  French  and  Indians,  under  the  com- 

Jd  of  captam  Morand,  marched  to  revenge  their 

mgs.     I  he  captam  let  out  from  the  Green  bay  in 

wmter,  when  they  were  unfufpicious  of  a  viilt  of 

kmd,   and  purfuing  his  route  over  the   fnow  to 

fir  villages,  which  lay  about  fiftv  mJlee  »«  *k»  i?— 

rer,  came  upon  them  by  furpriTe.     Unprepared  m 

[ucntly  killed  or  took  prifoucrs  the  greatcH  part  of 

them. 


a\a 


26 


CARVER'«  TRAVELS. 


them.     On  the  return  of  the  French  to  the  Green 
bay,  one  of  the  Indian  chiefs   in  alliance  with  them, 
who  had  a  confiderablc  band  of  the  prifoners  under  j 
his  care,  flopped  to  drink  at  a  brook  ;    in  the  mean  I 
time  his  companions  went  on  :  which  being  obferved 
by  one  of  the  women  whom  they  had  made  captive, 
flie  fuddenly  feized  him  with  both  her  hands,  whilft 
he  ftooped  to  drink,  by  an  exquifitely  fufceptible  part,  j 
and  held  him  faft  till  he  expired  on  the  fpot.     As  the 
chief,  from  the  extreme  torture  he  fuffered,  was  una- 
ble to  call  out  to  his  friends,  or  to  give  any  alarm,  theyf 
pafTed  on  without  knowing  what  had  happened  j  and 
the  woman  having  cut  the  bands  of  thofe  of  her  fellow 
prifoners  who  were  in  the  rear;  with  them  made  her  j 
efcape.     This  heroine  was  ever  after  treated  by  her 
nation  as  their  deliverer,  and  made  a  chiefefs  in  her) 
own  right,  with  liberty  to  entail  the  fame  honor  onl 
her  defcendants  :   an  unufual  diftin^on,  and  permit- 
ted only  en  extraordinary  occafions. 

About  twelve  miles  before  I  reached  the  Carrying 
Place,  I  obferved  fevcral  fmall  mountains  which  ex-j 
tended  quite  to  it.  Thefe,  indeed,  would  only  be  ef-j 
teemed  as  molehills,  when  compared  with  thofe  on  the! 
back  of  the  colonies,  but  as  they  were  the  firft  I  hadl 
feen  fincc  my  leaving  Niagara,  a  tradl:  of  nearly  eleven} 
hundred  miles,  I  could  not  leave  them  unnoticed.        [ 

The  Fox  River,  where  it  enters  the  Winnebagoj 
Lake,  is  about  fifty  yards  wide,  but  it  gradually  de-| 
creafes  to  the  Carrying  Place,  where  it  is  no  more  than! 
five  yards  over,  except  in  a  few  places  where  it  widensi 
into  fmall  lakes,  though  ftill  of  a  confulerable  depth.] 
I  cannot  reoolledt  any  thing  elfe  that  is  remarkable  in 
this  river,  except  that  it  is  fo  ferpentine  for  five  niiles,] 
as  only  to  gain  in  that  place  one  quarter  of  a  mile. 

^  T'i.~  /*i^_i^_: Til i--,-_  !_.-    .1       Ti^   _  •    -"-^    •  "v 

i.;:^  v,.;:ry2ii^  xxaic  uciwccii  jnc  FOa  and   v?uiiv.Ori" 

fin  Rivers  is  in  'breadth  not  more  than  a  mile  and  three 

quarters,  though  in  fome  maps  it  is  fo  delineated  asj 

to  appear  to  be  ten  miles.      And  here  I  cannot  Jiclpj 

^  .       •*  renurking,; 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


27 


lartcr  of  a  mile. 
-iTOA  anu  v'uiKOii-j 


emarking,  that  all  the  maps  of  tbefe  parts,  I  have  ev- 
Jer  feen,  are  very  erroneous.  The  rivers  in  genei^l  a-e 
Idefcribed  as  riinnin^  [n  different  direftions  from  what 
hhey  really  do  :  and  many  branches  of  them,  particu- 
Jarly  the  Miflifippi,  omitted.  The  diftatices  of  places, 
likewife,  ar-  greatly  mifreprefented.  Whether  this  is 
yone  by  the  French  geographers  (for  the  Engliih  maps 
ire  all  copied  from  theirs)  through  defign,  or  for 
s^ant  of  a  juft  knowledge  of  the  country,  I  cannot  fay  ; 
3ut  I  am  fatisfied  that  travellers  who  depend  upon 
Ihem  in  the  parts  I  vifited,  will  find  themfelves  much 
Bt  a  lofs. 

Near  one  half 'of  the  way,  bettveen  the  rivers,  is  a 
lorafs  overgrown  with  a  kind  of  long  grafs,  the  relt 
Df  It  a  plam  with  fome  fev/  oak  and  pine  trees  growing 
thereon.     I  oblerved  here  a  great  number  of  rattle- 
snakes.    Monf.  Pinnifance,  a  French  trader,  told  me 
remarkable  ftory  concerning  one  of  theie  reptiles,  of 
vhich  he  faid,  he  was  an  eye  witnefs.     An  Indian,  be-' 
longing  to  the  Mcnomonie  nation,  having  taken  one 
^i  them,  found  means  to  tame  it  ;  and  when  he  had 
flone  this,  treated  it  as  a  Deity  }  calling  it   his  great 
lather,  and  carrying  it  with  him  in  a  box  wherever 
he  went.     This  the  Indian  had  done  for  feveral  f«m- 
:|ers,  when  Monf.  Pinniflmce  accidentally  met   with 
11m  at  this  Carrying  Place,  juft  as  he  was  fetting  off 
or  a  winter's  hunt.       The  French  gentleman  was 
urprifed,   one  day,   to  fee  the   Indian  place  the  box 
j'hich  contained  his  god,  on  the  ground,  and  opening 
he  door,  gave  him  his  liberty  ;  telling  him  whilft  he 
hlu  ?'^   and  return  by  the  time  he  himfclf 

lay  following.     As  this  was  but  Odober,   Monficur 
>ld  the  Indian,  whofe  fimnlirit^  .a^^iiuJ  u.-i    "f"*^ 

tTf'^u^'^^^^    r"  »o"g  enough' when'MVa;:. 

hved  for  the  arrival  of  his  great  father.     The  Indian 

N  fo  confident  of  his  creature's  obedience    that  h^ 

ffcred  to  lay  the  Frenchman  a  wager  oftwo  git: 

of 


2B 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


of  mm,  that  at  the  time  appointed  he  would  come  anti 
crawl  into  the  box.  This  was  agreed  on,  and  the 
fecond  week  in  May  following,  fixed  for  the  dctermin. 
ation  of  the  wager.  At  that  period  they  both  met 
there  again  ;  when  the  Indian  fet  down  his  box,  and 
called  for  his  great  father.  The  fnake  heard  him  not , 
and  the  time  being  now  expired,  he  acknowledged 
that  he  had  loft.  However,  without  feeming  to  be 
difcouraged,  he  offered  to  double  the  bet,  if  his  great 
father  came  not  within  two  days  more.  This  wx^ 
.further  agreed  on  ;  whenrbehold,  on  the  fecond  dav, 
Aout  one  o'clock,  the  fnake  arrived,  and  of  his  owr 
accord  crawled  into  the  box,  which  was  placed  rea.h 
for  him.  The  French  gentleman  vouched  for  the 
truth  of  this  ftory,  and  from  the  accounts  I  have  often 
received  of  the  docility  of  thofe  creatures,  I  fee  no  rcr- 
fon  to  doubt  his  veracity. 

I  obferved  that  the  main  body  of  the  Fox  river 
came  from  the  fouthweft,  that  of  the  Ouifconfm  fmn 
the  northeaft  j  and  alfo  tliat  fome  of  the  fmall  branch- 
es  of  thefe  two  rivers,  in  defcending  into  tbeci, 
doubled  within  a  few  feet  of  each  other,  a  little  tu  the 
fouth  of  the  Carrying  Place.  That  two  fuch  rivers 
fhould  take  'their  rife  fo  near  each  other,  and  after 
running  fuch  different  courfcs,  empty  themfelves  int 
the  fea,  at  a  diftance  fo  amazing  (for  the  former  hnv 
ing  paffed  through  feveral  great  lakes,  and  run  up. 
wards  of  two  thoufand  miles,  falls  into  the  Gulf  a 
St.  Lawrence,  and  the  otlier,  after  joining  the  Miili. 
fippi,  and  having  run  an  equal  number  of  mile 
dilembogues  itfelf  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico)  is  an  'm 
ftance  fcarcely  to  be  met  in  the  extenfive  continent 
North  America.  I  had  an  opportunity  the  year  fol 
Jo  wing,  of  making  the  fame  obfervatioris  on  th<j 
milling  ijx  Tat!ou3  ncaa  Draniiies  vi  iiic  waters  oi  ik 
St.  Lawrence  and  the  Miffifippi  to  each  otlwr  y  an 
now  bring  them  as  a  proof,  that  the  opinion  of  thol 
geographers,  who  aficrt,  that  rivers  taking  their  rife  f< 

ne 


LVELS. 

id  he  would  come  anill 
agreed  on,  and  the] 
xed  for  the  determin. 
eriod  they  both  met;! 
t  down  his  box,  and! 
"nake  heard  him  not ; 
d,  he  acknowledgedl 
ithput  feeming  to  bef 
:  the  bet,  if  his  great^ 
lys  more.      This  wasj 
,  on  the  fecond  day! 
ved,  and  of  his  owri 
ch  was  placed  reai!\ 
an   vouched  for  tlK| 
iccounts  I  have  often' 
reatures,  I  fee  no  rcr- 

ly  of  the  Fox  river 
the  Ouifconfin  froiT| 
:  of  the  fmali  branch..; 
cending   into  them 
other,  a  little  tc  tlw 
riiat  two  fuch  riven! 
ach  other,  and  aft 
anpty  themfelves  intvj 
(for  the  former  hav 

lakes,    and  run  u 
ills  into  the  Gwlf 
a*  joining  the  Miffi 

number  of  mile 
of  Mexico)  is  an  in' 
Ltenfive  continent 
rtunity  the  year  fol- 
bfervatioris    on    th 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


29 


lear  each  other,  muft  fpring  from  the  fame  fonrce,  .is, 
rroneous.     For  I  perceived  a  vilibly  diftinft  fepara- 
lion  in  all  of  them,  notwithftanding  in  fome  places, 
hey  approached  fo  near,   that  I  could  have  ftepped 
rom  one  to  the  other. 

On  the  8th  of  Oaober  we  got  our  canoes  into  the 
Puifconfin  River,  which  at  this  place  is  more  than  a 
lundred  yards  wide  j  and  the  next  day  arrived  at  the 
^reat  Town  of  the  Saukies.    This  is  the  largeft  and 
feft  built  Indian  town  I  ever  faw.     It  contains   about 
lety  hoafes,  eaeh  large--«nough  for  feveral  families. 
fhefe  are  built  of  hewn  plank,  neatly  jointed  and  cov- 
ted  with  bark  fo  compadly  as  to  keep  out   the  moft 
Inetrating  rains.     Before  the  doors  are  placed  com- 
Ttable  fheds,  in  which  the  inhabitants  fit,  when  the 
Wher  will  permit,  and  fmoke  their  pipes.     The 
ects  are  regular  and  fpaeious  ;    fo  that  it  appears 
Itehke  a  cwilized  town  than  the  abode  of  favages. 
ie  larAd  near  the  town  is  very  good.     In  their  planta- 
«s,  which  he  adjacent  to  their  houfes,  and  which  are 
atly  laid  out,  they  raife   greaf  quantities   of  Indian 
rn,  teans,  melons,  &c.  fo  that  this  place  is  efteemed 
E  beft  market  for  traders  to  furnlfh  themfelves  with 
^ifions,  of  any  within  eight  hundred  miles  of  it. 
rihebaukiescan  raife  about  three  hundred  warr- 
%  who  are  generally  employed  every  fummer  in 
kmg  mcuriions  mto  the  territories  of  the   Illinois 
Ed  Fawnee  nations,  from  whence  they  return,  with  a 
h    number  of  flaves.     But  thofe  people  freqrntly 
t      which  l'  •"/'"•  *"-.  deft.oy  Lly  of  th\  Saul 
Ics,  which  I  judge  to  be  the  reafon  th^t  they  incrcafe 

telL^l^*!i!:%<!^^-moun- 

thele,  and  had  =n  cxt«iiifive  view  of  the  conntri 
r  many  ™,„  „„,hi      ^,^^  ^^  ^  <"  *e  co  m-T- 

lnv.h.ch  >^.„d  «  ,  dma-«  like  hayc„4v°fe; 


C  i 


bciu^ 


I' 


30 


CARTER'S  TRAVELS 


and  ftimted  oats,  covered  fome  of  tMe  vaUies.  So 
plentrful  ,s  lead  h^rc,  that  I  faw  large  quJtitfi  of  k 
]ying  about  the  ftreets  in  the  town  belon^nno  the' 

rlvfr^n^y  ^ ''^.  ?^^^''^'  ^^  proceeded  down  the 
nyer,  and  the  next  day  reached  the  firft  town  of  th«l 

Quigaumies.     This  town  contaiued  about  fifty^ufol 
but  we  found  moft  of  them  dcferted,  on  account^ a«l 

and  earned  oft  more  than  one  half  of  the  inhahitantsr 
I  he  greater  part  of  thofb  who  fiirrived,  had  retired^ 
into  tlie  ^woods  to  avoid  the  contagion.  f 

Miffifioli     '4tnV'T^r'^^'  extenfive  river  the 
luut  iippi.     The  OuifccAfift,  from  the  Carrying  Place 

exceedingly  clear,  and  through  it  you  may  perceive  a" 
f  ne  and  Tandy  bottom,  tolerably  free  from^rocks  [  ? 
L^!  "u.o^^^T'^''  '^'  ^'^  "^  "^^^^  appeared  to  b^^ 
mer  alfo  feemed  to  be  m  general  excellent ;  but,  thati 
-t  a<ltftance  IS  very  full  of  mountains  where  it  is  faid' 
there  are  m^ny  lead  mines. 

About  five  miles  from  the  jun^ion  of  tihe  rivers.  Il 

lituat  on.     On  mquinng  of  the  neighboring  Indians! 

he   n/  7  '^^^  '**",  ^''"'  ^P*"^  ^'^  geared  on 
the  top  of  a  pyrar^Kl  or  rocks,   which  foy.  at  a  litde 

tnu-!i\t°""i\''^^'^''\''''^>  and  warned  them 
to  qu  t  then-  habitations  j  for  tl^  fend  on  which  they 
«rere  bmlt  belonged  to  him,  and  he  had  occafion  fi 
It.     As  a  nronf  tha*   ^le.    'jsW '-^  -^'^ >  _"    .    • 

wasreally;theGre.tSpirit:h^&;;;::;;^ 
the  grafs  il^^uld  immedi^ely  fpring  «p  oa  thofe  very 
rocks  fro^^  ]^ence  hej^m,  addreffeU  them,  which 

thcf 


J.VV 


!»lSi»#»^( 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS,  3, 

Ley  knew  to  be  bai^^and  barren.     The  Jndian»  obeyu 

it  ?  UA  f^'  f^^"^^^^  that  this  miraculaL 
Iteration  had  taken  place.  They  ihewed  mc  t^ie  fpoir* 
bt  the  growth  o£  the  grafs  appeared  to  be  no  w^ 

N  of  the  French  or  Spaniards,  to  anfwer  fome  fdfifh 

tnow  n    "^  """"^''  ^^""^  ^^^'^'*  '^*"'  P"»l»oft« 

^TWs  people,  foon  after  their  removal,  bnlk  a  town 

.  fcL '"^  f  '^f  ^^^^^^PP'»  ^^-^  the  mouth,  of  tS 

iifconun,  at  a  pace  called  by  the  French,  La  Prai!^ 

w  I^  Ch,em  which  fignifies  the  Dog  Plaim  ;  it T^ 

^ge  own    and  contams  about  th«c  Imndred  fami! 

kw  h«l  .^J  f^f^  of  hfe  m  great  abundance. 
Z  r^L  ^  '°'^^  **^  ^  S^od  fee  and  fhape.     This. 
xrn  IS  the  great  mart  where  all  the  adjacSt  trib« 

tre'^tT  "^°  '^^'^^^  '^'^  -oft  remrtcta^  h«.. 
the  Miffifippr,  annu%  aflemble  about  the  "attS 

f  o1heSd^'"^S^J^^^'^^^  their  &rs  to  di^ol. 

drthdfr^^L  ®"';i'^««t  always  that  they  L!< 
wn  fS^  ^"^  *  *^'  '^  determined  by  a^eral^ 
^cil  of  the  chiefs,  -virho  confirit  whether  it  ^uW 

more  conducive  to  their  intei^ft,  to  Sli  LrZ^ 
thirplace,  or  carry  them  onto  Louifiaaa  TEh 
mfanac      According:  to  the  deci^orof  Sifcotn' 

the  Miffifippf.  at.  the  oitrance  of  the  Oiiir^nnfi^ 
>,»nd  but  thinly  wooded.  '      '  "'  -  ™-—"^"«i*y 

traders, 


3a 


CARVER»s  TRAVELSf. 


traders,  who  had  accompanied  mc  hitliertd,  tShkJ 
their  refidcnce  forthe  winter.  I  then  bought  a  can^l 
and  with  two  fervants,  one  a  French  Canadian,  "^1 

Xt  MS;t ''  '-'''^  -  ^^  ^^^'  p-4 

I  l.'^H^?  ''""fT  fV-  ^'^  P^*^^^  ^5th  thetraderJ 
I  landed,  as  I  ufually  dia,  every  evening,  and  having 

on.  to  lay  themfelvea  down  to  fleep.     By  a  li|ht  thai 
I  kept  burning  I  then  fet  down  to  copy  the  minute 

?en  o'dTV^'^^^^'ll  ^^^  P^"<^^'"S  day      Abou 
ftenn/J      :    r"^  juftfinifhedmy  memorandums,] 
fteppcd  out  of  my  tent  to  fee  what  weather  it  waJ 
As  I  caft  my  eyes  towards  the  bank  of  the  river   ll 

bnght,  fomethmg  that  had  .he  appearance  of  a  herd 
of  beafts,  commgdown  adefcent  at  fomc  diftance] 
whilft  I  was  wondering  what  they  could  be,  one  oS 
the  number  fuddenly  fprung  up,  and  difcovered  to  me 
the  form  of  a  ^lan.      In  an  inftant  Vhcy  werp  all  onl 
their  legs,  and  I  could  count  about  ten  or  twelve  of 
-them  running  towards  me.     I   immediately  re-enteredl 
the  tent,  and  having  awakened  my  men,  ordered  theral 
to  take  their  armes  and  follow  me.     As  my  firft  aJ 
prehenfxons  were  for  my  canoe,  I  ran  to  the  waterM 
fide  and  found  a  party  of  Indians  (for  fuch  I  now  difj 
coverea  them  to  be)  on  the  point  of  plundering  it. 
Before  I  reached  them,  J  commanded  my  men  not  to 
ftre  til  I  had  given  the  word,  being  unwillmg  to  begin 
hoftihties  unlefs  occafion  abfolutely  required.      I  J 
cordmgf  y  advanced  with  refolution,  clofe  to  the  points 
of  theu    fpcars    they  had  no    other   weapons,   and 
bnndiflimg  my  hanger,  a&cd  them  with  a  iSm  voice, 
what  they  wanted  ?  They  were  ftaggered  at  this,  and 
perceiving  they  were  like  to  meet  with  s.  "arm  «... 
tion,  turned  about  and  precipitately  retreated.   '  Wei 
purluedthem  to  an  adjacent  wood,  which  they  enter, 
ed,  and  we  faw  no  more  of  them.    However,  for  feari 

of 


CARTER^s  TRAVELS. 


33 


their  return,  we  twtfehed  alternately  during  the 
„nainder  of  the  night.      The  next  day  ray  fervants 
ere  under  great  apprehenfions,  and  earneftly  entreat*. 
J  me  to  return  to  the  traders  we  had  lately  left*     But 
itold  them,  that  if  they  would  not  be  efteemed  old 
lomen   (a  term  of  the   grcatcft  reproach  among  the 
kdians)  they  muft  follow  nie  ^  for  I  was  determined 
\  purfue  my  intended  route,  as  an  Engliihman,  when 
|ice  engaged  m  an  adventure  never  retreated.      On 
iis  they  got   mto  the  canoe,  and  I   walked  on  the 
lore  to  guard  them  from  any  further  attack.      Tiie 
fcrty  of  Indians  who  had  thus   intended   to   plurder 
;,  I  afterwards  found  to  be  fome  of  thofe  £lr.agglinff 
knds,  that  having  been  driven  from  among  the  ditt 
tent   tribes   to   which   they   belonged,   for   various 
femes,  now  aflbciated  themfelves  together,  and,  hving  " 

I  plunder,  prove  very  troublefome  to  travellers  who 
lis  this  way  }  nor  are  even  Indians  of  every  tribe 
bred  by  them.      The  traders  had  before  cautioned 

E  to  be  upon  my  guard  againft   them,    md  I  would 
peat  the  fame  caution  to  thofe  whofe  bufinefs  might 

II  them  mto  thefe  parts. 

[On  the  I  ft  of  November  I   arrived  at  Lake  Pepinj 

hich  IS  rather  an  extended  part  of  the  River  Miffi- 

bpi,  that  the  French  have  thus  denominated,  about 

ro  hundred  miles  from  the  Ouifconfm.     The  MiiE, 

ppi  below  this  lake  flows  with  a  gemle  current,  but 

p  breadth  of  it  is  very  uncertain,   in  fome  places  it 

Ng  upwards  of  a  mile,  in  others  not  more  than  a 

larter.     I  his  nyer  has  a  range  of  mountains  on  each 

^throughout  the  xvhole  of  the  way  ^  which  in  par- 

lukr  parts  approach  near  to  it,  in  others  lie  at  a  areat- 

Ndlar««.     Ihc  land  betwixt  the  mountains,  a^d  o« 

tj^'i'!'  "  generally  covered  with  grafs,  whh  a  few 
loves  or  tree*!  inti»»(rv.*f^^    _- i  •„•    i  __   . 


and  elk  are  frequently  feen.  feeding 


roves  ui 


In  many  places  pyramidis  of  rock« 
^ng  old  ruinous  towers  >  at*dwo.amja«i 


appeared,  *r«fem- 

ig  pvedpice&f 

and 


34 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


and,  what  «  very  remarfcaHe,  whilft  this  fcene  prefenf. 
cd  itfelf  on  one  fide,  the  oppofite  fide  of  the  fame 
mountain  was  covered  with  the  fineft  herbage,  which 
gradually  afcended  to  its  fummit.  From  tlen  7  h. 
moft  beautiful  and  extenfzve  profpeft  that  imagina- 

truitfuj  meadow.,  numerous  iflands,  and  all  thcfe 
aboundmg  with  a  variety  of  trees  that  yield  amazing 
quantities  of  fruit,  without  care  or  cultivation  ;  fuch  af 
the  nut  ree,  the  maple  which  produces  fugar,  vine 
i?.  fll"  n  "'^'  8"pes,  and  plum  trees  bending  u " 
der  their  blooming  burdens,  byt  above  all,  the  fine  riv- 
er  flowmg  gently  beneath,  and  reaching  as  far  as  the 
eye  can  extend,  by  turns  attradl  your  admiration  and 
excite  your  wonder. 


in   lome   places   it   is  very  deep,  and 


in   breadth 
'  nfrtf"""*"  various"  kinTs^S  fifhi     Great  numbers 

furl  r  I'^Y'^'V''^^  '^"'  ^^'^"  ^^"'^  '^'^  ''^^^^  -dj=''^ent ; 
fuchasftorks,  fwans,  geefc,  brants  and  ducks  :    and 

m  the  gi-oves  are  found  great  plenty  of  turkeys  and 
partridges.      On  the  plains  are  the  largeft  buffaloes  of 

vZ  'u/T'"^'^-.  ^''^  ^  obferved*the  ruins  of  a 
French  faftory,  where  it  is  faid  Captain  St.  Pierre  re- 
lidecl,  and  carried  on  a  very  great  trade  with  the  Nau- 
doweffies,  before  the  reduftion  of  Canada. 

About  fixty  miles  below  this  Lake  is  a  mountain 
remarkably  fituated  ;  for  it  ftands  by  itfelf  exaftly  in 
the  middle  of  the  river,  and  looks  as  if  it  had  Hidden 
from  the  adjacent  ihore  into  the  ftream.      It  cannot 

hrJnt^'f  ?,'""''''  ^^^^"^^^  immediately  from  the 
brink  of  the  water  to  a  confiderable  height.  Both  the 
^dians  and  the  French  caU  it  the  Mountain  in  the 

^  One  day  having  landed  on  the  fliore  of  the  MJffi- 
iippi»  i^mc  miles  beiow  Lake  Fepin,  whilft  my  attertd- 
ants  were  preparing  my  dinner,  I  walked  out  to  take  a 
View  of  the  adjacent  country.    I  had  not  proceeded 

far, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS,  \^ 

I  far,  before  I  carAj  to  a  fine,  level,  open  plain,  on  which 
•  I  perceived,  at  a  little  diftancc,  a  partial  elevation  that 
had  the  appearance  of  an  intrenchment.     On  a  near- 
er mfpea-ion  I  had  greater  reafon  to  fuppofe  that  it 
had  really  been  intended  for  this  many  centuries  a«o. 
Notwithftandmg  it  was   now  covered    -vith  wafs    I 
could  plainly  difbern  that  it  had  once  been  a  breaft- 
work  of  about  four  feet  in  height,  extending  the  beft. 
part  of  a  mile,  and  fufficicntly  capacious  to  cover  five 
thoufand  men.     Its  form  was  fomewhat  circular,   and 
Its  flanks  reached  to  the  river.     Though  much   defac- 
ed by  time,  every  angle  was  diftinguifhable,  and  apu 
peared  as  regular,  and  fafhioned  with  as   much  milita- 
ry ikilly  as  if  planned  by  Vauban  himfelf.     The  ditch 
was  not  vifible,   but  I  thought,  on  examining  more 
cunoufly,  that  I   could   perceive   there   certainly  had 
been  one.      From  its  fituation  alfo,  I  am  convinced, 
that  it  muft  have  been  dcfigned  for  this  purpofe.     It 
fronted  the  country,  and  the  rear  was  covered  by  the 
mer,  nor  was  there  any  rifing  ground  for  a  confidera- 
ble  way,  that   commanded  it  ^    a  few  ftraggling  oaks 
were  alone  to  be  fecn  near  it.      In  many  place?  fmall 
traas  were  worn  acrofs  it  by  the  feet  of  the  elks  and 
deer,  and  .rom  the  depth  of  the  bed  of  earth  by  which 
ht  was  covered,  I  was  able  to  draw  certain  conclufions 
loiits  great   antiquity.      I   examined   all  the   angles, 
and  every  part  with  great    attention,  and  have  often 
Waned  myrelf,fmce,  for  noi  encamping  on  the  foot, 
and  drawing  an  exad  plan  of  it.     To  fhew  that  this 
clelcnptmu  ,s  not  the  offspring  of  a  heated  imagination, 
hi  the  chimerKral  tale  of  a  miftaken  traveller,  I  find  on 
jnqutry,  fince  my   return,  that  Monf.  St.  Pierre,  and 
feveral  traders,  have,  at  different  times,   taken  notice 
0.  hmilar  appearances,  on  which  they  have  formed  the 
Maine    coni«9-Mr,»c     K„*    ..,Ui .    —„•_•__    ".  '^'^  "ic 

-nutely  as   I  did.  ,How  .  w^k  ^  this  \indTould 

cental  "rP^^f  7  tl^^t  hfhitl^rta  (according  to  the 
jgeneul  received  opinion)  l?.3ii  .tUe  :ieat  of  war,  to 

untutorw'd 


i^ 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Utitutored  Indians  alone,  whofe  whok  ftock  of  military 
knowledge  has  only,  till  within  two  centuries,  amount- 
ed to  drawing  the  bow,  and  whofe  only  breaftwork,  I 
cwen  at  prefent,  is  the  thicket,  I  know  not.  I  have 
given  as  exadt  an  account  as  poffible,  of  this  fingullar 
appearance,  and  leave  to  future  explorers  of  thefe  dif- 
tant  regions  to  difcover  whether  it  is  a  produ^ion  of 
nature  or  art, 

Perhaps  the  hints  I  have  here  given,  might  lead  to  a  I 
more  perfefk  inveftigation  of  it,  and  give  us  very  dif- 
ferent ideas  of  tlie  ancient  ftate  of  realms  that  we  at 
prefent  believe  to  have  been  from  the  earliell  period 
only  the  habitations  of  favages. 

The  Miffilippi,  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  the  dverj 
St.  Croix,  thirty  miles  above  Lake  Pepih,  is  very  f.,llj 
of  iflands  j  fome  of  which  are  of  a  confiderable  length. 
On  thefe  alfo,  grow  great  numbers  of  the  maple  or  fu- 
gar  tree,  and  around  them  vines  loaded  with  gtapesj 
creeping  to  their  very  tops.  •  From  the  Lake  upwardsl 
few  mountains  are  to  be  feen,  and  thofe  but  fmall! 
Near  the  river  St.  Croix,  rellde  three  bands  of  the! 
Nandoweflie  Indians,  called  the  River  Bands. 

This  nation  is  compofed,  at  prefent,  of  eleven  bands.i 
They  were  originally  twelve  i  but  the  Affinipoils,  fomej 
years  ago,  revolting,  and  fei>arating  themfelves  from  thel 
others,  there  remain  only  at  this  time  eleven.  Thofel 
I  met  here  are  termed  the  River  Bands ;  becaufe  theyj 
chiefly  dwell  near  the  banks  of  thb  river  i  the  otherj, 
eight  are  generally  diftinguiflhed  by  the  title,  Naudow-I 
eflies  of  the  Plains,  and  inhabit  a  country  that  liejj 
more  to  the  weft  ward.  The  names  of  the  former  arc! 
the  Nehogatawonahs,  the  Mawtawbauntowalis,  and  tliej 
Shahfweeutowahs,  and  coniift  of  about  four  hwndrcd| 
warriors. 

I  iA  liitic  DCiuic   I  .uiV't.  »»Ki*  JiiCic  xnrcc    uM^zua,   i  ^ 
in  with  a  party  ©f  the  l^awtawbatintowahs,  amountingj 
to  forty  warriors  and  tAieir  families.     With  thefe  1 1 
lided  a  day  or  two,  tiuring  whkh  time  five  or  lix 

theirl 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


31 


thftir  number  who  had  been  out  on  an  exc;irfion,  re- 
turned in  great  hafte,  and  acquainted  their  compiin- 
ions  that    a    large    party   of    the  Chipeway    warriors, 
«  enough,"  as  they  exprefled  themfclvcs,  "  to  fwallow 
them  all  up"   were  clofe  at  their  heels,  and  on  the 
p!jint  of  attacking  their  little  camp.     The  chiefs  suppli- 
ed to  me  and  dcfired  I  would  put  myfeif  at  their  head, 
and  lead  them  out  to  oppofc  thvtir  enemies.     As  I  wag 
a  ftranycr  and  unwilling  to  excite  the  anger  of  either 
nation,  I  knew  not  how  to  aft  ;  and  never  found  my- 
feif in  z  greater,  dilemma.     Had  I  rcfufed  to  affift  the 
NaudaweHies  I  fliould  have  drawn  on  myfeif  their  dif- 
pleafure,  or  had  I  met  the  Chipeways  with  hoftile  in- 
tentions, I  fliould  have  made  that  people  my  foes,  and 
had  I  been  fortunate  enough  to  have  efcaped  their  ar- 
rows at  this  tir  e,  on  fome  future  occafion  fhould  prob- 
ably have  experienced   the   feverity  of  their  revenge. 
In  this  extremity  I  chofe  the  middle  courfe,   and  de- 
fied that  the  Naudowefllcs  would  AifFer  me  to  meet 
them,  that  I  might  endeavor  to  avert  their  fury.     To 
tl  is  they   reluftantly  aflented,  being   pcrfuaded,  from 
the  inveteracy  which  had  long  prevailed  between  them, 
that^  my  remonftranccs  would  be  in  vain. 

Taking  my  Frenchman  with  me,  who  could  fpeak 
their  language,  I  haftened  towards  the  place  where  the 
Chipeways  were  fuppofed  to  be.      The  Naudoweffies, 
j  durmg  this,  kept  at  a  diftance  behind^     As  I  approach- 
ed them  with  the  pipe  of  peace,  a  fmall  party  of  their 
I  chiefs,  coniifting  of  about  eight  or  ten,   came  in  a 
tnendly  manner  towards  me  j    with  whom,  by  the 
I  "jeans  of  my  interpreter,  I  held  &  long  cdfiverfation  ; 
the  refult  of  which  was,  that  their  rancour  being  by 
my  perfuaficns  in  fome  meafure  mollified,  they  agreed 
to  turn  back,  without  accomDliflMno  the-r  f.x-.r-^^J'r'.-.'.r-.. 
poles.     Duriqg  our  difcourfe  I  could  percel've,"as  thev 
lay  fcattered  about,  that  the  party  was  very  numerous, 
and  many  of  them  armed  with  mufkets. 
Having  happily  fuccceded  ia  my  undertaking,  I 
^  returned 


3« 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


returned  without  delay  to  the  Naudowcflles,  :ind  dcf.r- 
.ed  they  would  mftantly  remove  their  camp  to  fome 
other  part  of  the  country,  left  their  enemies  fhould  re- 
pent  of  the  promife  they  had  given,  and  put  their 
intentions  mto  execution.  They  accordiiigly  followed 
my  advice,  and  immediately  prepared  to  ftrike  their 
^^u\^     y  ^^^y.^^'^^'-e  doing  this,  they  loaded  me 

W4th  thanks  }    and  when  I  had   feen  them  on  board 
their  canoes,  I  purfued  my.routq. 

To  this  adventure  I  was  chiefly  indebted  for  the 
friendly  reception  I  aftenvards  met  with  from  the 
NaudoweiTies  of  the  Plains,  and  for  the  rcfpeft  and 
honors  I  received  during  my  abode  among  them. 

And  when  I  arrived  many  months  after  at  the  Chin- 
cway  village,  near  the  Ottowaw  lakes,  I  found  that  my 
fame  hat  reached   that  place  before  me.      The  Chiefs 
received  me  with   great  cordiahty,   and  the  elder  part 
of  them  thatiked  me  for  the  mifchief  I  had  prevented. 
^^^y'^'^/'^'^<^  ««e,  that  the  war  between  their  nation 
and  the  NaudoweiTies  had  continued  without  interrup- 
tion for   more  ;.tlian  forty  winters.      That  ^hey  had 
long  wifhed  to  put  an  end  to  it,  but  this  was  generally 
prevented  by  the  young  warriors  of  cither  nation,  who 
could  not  rel train  their  ardor  when  they  met.     They 
fuid,  they  Should  be  happy  if  Tome  chief  of  the  fame 
pacific  difpuikion   as   myfelf,    and    who    pofleiTed    an 
equal  degree  of  refolution  and  coolnefs,  would  fettle 
m  the  country  between   the  two  nations ;  for  by  the 
interference   of   fuch    .  pcrfon,   an   accommodation, 
which  on  their  part   taey  fmcerely  defired,  might  be 
brought  abdht.      As  I  did  not  meet  any  of  the  Nau- 
doweflies  afterwards,  I  had  not  an  opportunity  of  for- 
warding fo  good  a  work. 

About  thirty  miles  below  the  falls  of  St.  Antho- 
ny, at  which  I  arrived  ^h**  «•»"*»,  ,u.,  ^c,^  r   i^r.  t  _. 

Jt;epin,   is   a  remarkable  cave  of  an  amazing   depth. 
Ihe  Indians  term  it  Wakontcebe,    that  is,  the  Dwell- 
ing of  the  Great  Spirit.    The  entrance  into  it  is  about 

tea 


VVELS. 

judowtflles,  and  tfcfjr- 
c  their  camp  to  fome 
cir  enemies  fliould  re- 
given,  and  put  their 
accordingly  followed 
spared  to  flrike  their 
this,  they  loadtd  me 
fecn  than  on  board 

'Ry  indebted  for  the 
met  with  from  the 
for  tJie  rcfpea  and 
=  among  them, 
ths  after  at  the  Chip- 
:es,  I  found  that  my 
e  me.      The  Chiefs 

and  the  elder  part 
ief  I  had  prevented, 
•etween  their  nation 
d  without  interrup- 
That  they  had 
t  this  was  generally 
■  cither  nation,  who 
n  they  met.     They 

chief  of  the  fame 

who  poflefled  an 
Inefs,  would  fettle 
lation,^  }  for  by  the 
n   at<Aormtiodation, 

delired,  might  be 
t  any  of  the  Nau- 
pportunity  of  for- 

ills  of  St.  Antho- 

I  amazing   depth. 

hat  is,  the  Dwell- 

ice  into  it  is  abuut 

ten 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


3P 

ten  feet  wide,  the  height  of  it  five  feet.      The  arch 
w,th.n  IS  near  fifteen  feet  high  and  about  thirty  feet 
broad      The  bottom  of  it  confifts  of  fine  clear  fand, 
;  About   twenty  feet  from  the  entrance  begins  a  lakc^ 
,  the  water  of  which  is   tranfparent,  and  exf  nds  to  au 
miiearchablc   d.ihnce  ;    for  the  darkneft  of  the  cave 
prevents  all  attempts  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  it      I 
threw  -  fmall  pebble  towards  the  interior  parts  of  it 
w.th  my  utmoft  ftrength  ;  I  could  hear  thaUt  feU  in^ 
I  to  the  water,  and  notwithftanding  it  was  of  a   fmTii 
fize,  u  caufed  an  aftoni/hing   and^orribL^  noi?e.  STat 
reverberated   through   all    thofe   gloomy  region  .      I 
found  m  this  cave  many  Indian  hieroglyphic^   which 
appeared  very  anaerxt,  for  time  had^early  covered 

ra^ rm  "t/°  ^^^^^ '^  -^  with  difficulty  Uo'l^d 
trace  them.  1  hey  were  cut  m  a  rude  manner,  upon 
the  mfide  of  the  walls,  which  were  compofed  of  a 
ftone  fo  extremely  foft  that  it  might  eafily  be  pene^m- 

tne  iVlillifipp,       The  cave  is  only  acceffible  by  afcend- 

At  a  little  diftance  frc.a   this  dreary  cavern    kth^ 
burymg  place  of  fever.1  bands  of  the  Naudowdlie    n 
duns  :    though  theic  people  have  no  fixed Tefiden,e" 

IfmVet  T  T^'    'f^^  '"'  ^  ^"  month 'on  ^ 
pot,  yet  they  aw  vs  bnng  the  bones  of  their  de,d  to 

when  tl'  'v  f"^^  ^^"^  ''^'  '^"^  opportunity  of  doin^ 

tT^.^  n  Ir      S  -"^r*  '^  ''""^  '^'''''  councils,  and  to  fet? 
tie  all  pub  H    .ffairs  for  the  enfuing  fummer 

Ten  mdes  below  the  Falls  of  St.  Anti.onv,  the  Rir 
er  St    Pierre,  called  by  the  natives  the  Wa  ichnnl 
menefotor,  falls  into  the  Miffifippi  from  the  wt^^f'T 

-ded  fVom  afinall  iSnd  ^  tii^lr^^^S  ^C 

ranee   by  which  the  fight  of  it  is  intercep^Z    I 

not  have  Ufcovrndthi^  river  my  fclf,  had  I  not 

taken 


40 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


taken  a  view,  when  I  was  Torching  for  It,  from  tl.c 
high  lands  oppofite,  which  rife  to  a  great  height. 
.  Nearly  over  againft  t  lis  river,  I  was  obliged  to  leave 
iny  canoe,  on  account  of  the  ice,  and  travel  by  land  to 
the  Palls  of  St.  Anthony,  where  I  arrived  on  t^he  ,7th 
of  November,  fhe  Miffifippi  from  the  St.  Pierre  to 
th&  place,  ,s  rather  more  rapid  than  I  had  hitherto 
found  ,t,  and  without  iflands  of  any  confideration. 

Before  I  left  my  caooe,  I  overtook  a  young  prince 
of  the  Wmnebago  Indians,  who  was  going  on  an  em- 
b«{ry  to  feme  of  the  bands  of  the  Naudoweffies.  Find, 
ing  that  I  mtended  to  take  a  view  of  the  falls,  he  agreed 
to  accompany  me,  his  curiofity  having  been  often  ex- 
cited by  the  accounts  he  had  received  from  fome  of 
his  chiefs  :  he  accordingly  left  his  family  (for  the  In- 
dians never  travel  without  their  houfcholds)  at  this 
place  under  the  care  of  my  Mohajvfc  fervaut,  and  we 
proceeded  together  by.  land,  attended  only  by  my 
frenchman  to  this  celebrated  place. 

We  could  diftinaiy  hear  .the  noife  of  the  water,.full 
litteen  miles  before  we  reached  the  falls :  and  I  was 
greatly  pleafed  and  furprifed,  when  I  approached  this 
aftoniflimg  work  of  nature  j  but  I  was  not  long  at 
ul  2  '"''"'g^thefe  emotions,  my  attention  beins 
called  off  by  the  behavior  of  my  companion. 

The  prince  had  no  fooner  gained  the  point  that  over- 
looks this  wonderful  cafcade,  than  he  began  with  an 
audible  voice  to  addrefs  the  Great  Spirit,  one  of  whofe 
places  of  refidence  he   imagined  this  to  be.     He  told 
him  that  he  had  come  a  long  way  to  pay  his  adora- 
tions to  him,  and  now  would  make  him  the  beft  offer- 
ings in  his  power.      He  accordingly  firft  threw  his 
pipe  into  the  ftream  ;  then  the  roll  that  contained  his 
tobacco  ;    after  thefe,  the   bracelets  he  wore  on  his 
arms  and  wrifts ;  next  an  ornament  that  encircled  his 
■  ■■--y  -.„:..p-_iyu  ui    i>c;;u3  auCi  wiies  j  aiui  ailaft  the 
earrings  from  his  ears  j  in  fliort,  he  prefented  to  his 


god  every  part  of  his  drefs  that  was  valuable  ;  dur 


•mg 
this 


CA^V/ER.»s    TRAVELS. 


'41 


this  Ii«  frec^ently  fmote  his  breaft  with  great  violence 
thircw  his  arms  about,  and  appeared  to  be  much  agi- 
tated. ^   '■■ 

AU  this  whije  he  continued  his  adorations  and  at 
length  concluded  them  with  fervent  petitions  that  the 
Great  Spirit  would  cpnftantly  afford  us  his  proteaion 
on  our  travels,  giving,  u&a  bright  fun,  a  blue  iky,  apd 
clear  untroublecl  waters  ;  nor  would  he  leave  the  place 
till  we  had  fmpked  tog.ether  with  my  pipe,  in  honor  of 
the  Great  Spirit. 

I  was  greatly  furprifed  at  beholding  an  inftance  of 
iuch  elevated  devotion  in  fo  young  an  Indian,  and  in- 
itead  of  ridiculing  the  ceremonies  attending  it,  as  I  ob- 
ierved  my  catholic  fervant  tacitly  dicf,  J  looked  on'the 
prmce  with  a  greater  degree  ofrefpeftfor  thcfe  finccre 
proofs  he  gave  of  his  piety  ;  and  I  doubt  not  but  that 
h.3  offering  and  prayers  were  as  acceptable  to  the  ujii- 
verhil  Parent  of  mankind,  as  if  they  had  been  made 
with  greater  pomp,  or  in  a  confecrated  place. 

Indeed,  the  whole  conduct  of  this  young  prince  at' 
once  amazed  and  charmed  me.  During  .the  few  day^ 
we  were  together,  his  attention  feemed  t6tally  to  be 
employed  m  yielding  me  every  afliftance  in  his  power  ; 
and  evenm  io  fliort  a  time,  he  gave  me  innumerable 
proots  of  the  moft  generous  and  difmterefted  friend.- 
iliip  i  lo  that  on  our  return  I  parted  from  him  with 
great  reluaance.  Whilft  I  beheld  the  artless,  yet  en- 
gaging manners  of  this  unpolifhed  i^ivage,  I  could  not  ' 
help  drawmg  a  comparifon  between  him  and  fome  of 
tae  more  rehned  inhabitants  of  civilized  countries,  not 
much  1  own,  in  favor  of  the  latter. 

The  falls  of  St.  Anthony  received  their  name  from 
1  at^er  Louis  Hennipin,  a  French  miihonary,  who  trav- 

hrft  European  ever  leen  by  the  natives.     This  amazinir 
body  of  waters,  which  are  above  250  yards  over,  form 

Ihnuf.l  ^^   ?°   ^^'T^^ '    '^"^    ^^'^    perpendicuiariy 
about  thirty  feet,  and  ihc  rapids  below,  inthefpace  of 


D2 


300 


44 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


■  ' 


300  yards  more,  render  the  defcent  confiderably  gwat- 
cr  J  fo  that  when  viewed  at  a  diftance,  they  appear  toj 
be  much  higher  than  they  really  are.  The  abovemcn-j 
tioned  traveller  has  laid  them  down  at  above  fixty  feet;! 
but  he  has  made  a  greater  error  in  calculating  the! 
height  of  the  Falls  of  Niagara  }  which  he  aflerts  to  bel 
600  feet  }  whereas,  from  later  obfervations  accuratelyl 
made,  it  is  well  known  that  it  does  not  exceed  140  fect.| 
But  the  good  father  I  fear  too  often  had  no  other  foun- 
dation  for  his  accounts,  than  report,  or,  at  beft,  al 
flight  infpeftion. 

In  th*  middle  of  the  falls  ftands  a  fmall  ifland,  about  j 
forty  feet  broad  and  fomewhat  longer,  on  which  growl 
a  few  cragged  hemlock  and  fpruce  trees  j  and  aboutl 
half  way  between  this  Ifland  and  the  eaftern  fliore  is  aj 
rock,  lying  at  the  very  edge  of  the  fall,  in  an  oblique! 
pofition,  that  appeared  to* be  about  five  or  fix  feet! 
broad,  and  thirty  or  forty  long.  Thefe  falls  vary  much! 
from  all  the  others  I  have  feen,  as  you  may  approach! 
clofe  to  them  without  finding  the  leafl:  obftrudtion! 
from  any  intervening  hill  or  precipice. 

The  country  around  them  is  extremely  beautiful.! 
It  is  not  an  uninterrupted  plain,  where  the  eye  finds  rol 
relief,  but  compoled  of  many  gentle  afcents,  which  in! 
the  fummer  are  covered  with  the  fined  verdure,  c:id| 
interfperfcd  with  little  groves,  that  give  a  pleafing  va-i 
riety  to  the  profpeft.  On  the  whole,  when  the  falls  j 
are  included,  which  may  be  feen  at  the  diftance  of  four! 
miles,  a  more  pleafing  and  piclurefque  view  cannot,  II 
believe,  be  found  through  the  univerfe.  I  could  havel 
vrifned  that  I  had  happened  to  enjoy  this  glorious  fightj 
at  a  more  feafonable  time  of  the  year,  whilft  the  treesi 
and  hillocks  were  clad  in  nature's  gayeft  livery,  as  this! 

luuit  have   gfcatiy    aducd    10  tne  piCaiUrC    *    iCt.CI«v.uip 

however,  even  then,  it  exceeded  my  warmeft  expe£la"[ 
tions.  I  have  endeavored  to  give  the  reader  as  juft  anj 
idea  of  this  iuchanting  fpot,  as  poffiblc  j  but  all  dc'i 
fcription,  whether  of  the  pencil  or  the  pen,  muft  ftl'l 
infinitely  Ihort  of  the  original.  M\ 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


43 


UIV       JL       il,CClTVt>)| 


At  a  little  diftance  below  the  falls  ftands  s  fmzll 

land,  of  about  an  acre  and  an  half,  on  which  grow 
great  number  of  oak  trees,  every  branch  of  wh'ch, 
Ible  to  fupp'-rt  the  weight,  was  full  of  eagles'  nefts. 
Ihereafon  that  thefe  kind  of  birds  rcfort  in  fuch  num- 
bers to  this  fpot,  is,  that  they  are  here  fecure  from  the 
Stacks  either  of  man  or  beaft,  their  retreat  being 

uardcd  by  the  rapids,  which  the  Indians  never  at- 
^mpt  to  pafs.      Another  reafon  is,  that  they  find  a 

anftant  fupply  of  food  for  themfelves  and  their  young, 
fom  the  animals  and  fifh  which  are  dafhed  to  pieces 
the  falls,  and  driven  on  the  adjacent  fhorc. 
Having  fat-'T    I,  my  curiofity,   as  far  as  the  eye  of 
Ian  can  be  ,ed,  I  proceeded   on,  ftill  accompa- 

[ed  by  my  ^ .,  iiig  friend,  till  J  had  reached  the  river 
K  Francis,  near  fixty  miles  above  the  falls.     To  this 

I'er,  Father  Hennipin  gave  the  name  of  St.  Francis, 
M  this  was  the  extent  of  his  travels,  as  well  as  mine, 
Iwards  the  northweft.  As  the  feafon  was  fo  advanced, 
W  the  weather  extremely  cold,  I  was  not  able  to 
lake  fo  many  obfervations  on  thefe  parts  as  I  other- 
lie  ihould  have  done. 

[It  might,  however,  perhaps,  be  necefTary  to  obfervc, 
lat  in  the  little  tour  I  made  about  the  falls,  after 

veiling  fourteen  miles,  by  the  fide  of  the  Miffifippi, 

came  to  a  nver  nearly  twenty  yards  wide,  which  ran 

^m  the  northeaft,   called  Rum  River.     And  on  the 

th   ot    November  came  to  another  termed  Goofe 

Iver,  about  twelve  yards  wide.     On  the   21ft  I  ar- 

led   at  the  St.  Francis,  which  is  aibut  thirty  yards 

ie.     Here  the  Miffifippi  itfelf  growWiarrow,  being 

more  than  ninety  yards  over  ;  and  appears  to  be 

fefly  compofed  of  fmali  branches.     The  ice  prevcnt- 

"Sv.  «^ii»  iioutiiig  the  depth  of  any  of  thefe  three 

The  country  in  fome  places  is  hilly,  ^ut  without 
ic  mountains  ;  and  the  land  is  tolerably  good.  I 
Jervcd  here  many  deer  and  carriboos.  fome  elk,  with 

abundance 


44 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


abundance  of  beavers,  otters,  and  other  furs.     A  litdJ 
above  this,   to  the   northcaft,  are  a  number  of  fmal 
lakes   called  the  Thoufand   Lakes  ;  the    parts  abouj 
which,  though  but  little  fre.j^aented,  are  the  befl:  withij 
many  miles  for  hunting,  as  the- hunter  never  fail.'- 
returning  loaded  beyond  his  expectations. 

The  Miffiiippi  has  never  been  explored  higher  u| 
than  the  River  St.  Francis,  and  only  by  Father  Hen 
nipin  and  myfelf  thus  far.     So    that  we  are  obligel 
folely  to  the  Indians  for  all  the  intelligence  wt    re  abl 
to  give  relative   to  the  more  northern  parts.     As  tlJ 
river  'is  not  navigable   from  the  fea  for  veflels  of  anj 
confiderable  burthen,  much  higher  up  than  the  Forls 
of  the  Ohio,  and  even  that  is  accomplifl\e4  with  girJ 
difficulty,  owing   to  the  rapidity  of  the  current^  anj 
the    windings    of    the  river ;    thofe  fettlemcnts  t!i| 
may  be  made  on  the  interior  branches  of  it,  muft ! 
indifputably  fecure  from  the  attacks  of  any  marltin 
power.     But  at  the  fame  time  the  fettlers  will  have  tlij 
advantage  of  being  able  to  convey  their  produce  to  tl^ 
feaports,  with  great  facility,  the  current  of  the  rivd 
from  its  fource  to  its  entrance  into  the  Gulf  of  iMd 
ieo,   being   extremely  favorable  for  doing  this  in  ftna 
crafr.     This  might  alio  in  time  be  facilitated  by  canaj 
or   fliorter   cuts  ;  and   a  communication   opened 
water  with  New  Nork,  Canada,   &c.   by  way  of  t'J 
lakes.     The  Forks  of  the  Ohio  zrc  about  nine  hundref 
miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Miflifippi,  following 
courfe  of  the  river  ;  and   the  MeiTorie  two  hundr^ 
miles  above  theft.     From  the  latter  it  is  about  twcn 
miles,  to  .the#linois  River,  and  from  that  to  the  Oiil 
confms  which  I  have  given  an  account  of,  about  eig'| 
hundred  more.  „.*.,' 


rir.  tU. 


"0 


T  «.i»fsii4fi4>/l   f^\  rv\xr  /"in/%^.      Twrit/'n    T  hi 


"V 


left  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  St.  Pierre  ;  and  hertl 
parted  with  regret  from  my  young  friend,  the  prinf 
of  the  Winnebagoes.  This  river  being  clear  of  ij 
by  reafon  of  its  fouthern  fituation,  I  found  nothings 

obAr 


CARVER»s  TRAVELS. 


45 


bftrucH:  my  pafHige.     On  the  28th,  being  advanced 
3ut  forty  miles,  I  arrived  at  a  fmall  branch  that  fell 
Vto  it  from  the  north  j  to  which,  as  it  haeJ  no  name 
lat  I  could  diftinguilh  it  by,  I  gave  my  own.     About 
Irty  miles  higher  up  I  came  to  the  Forks  of  Verd  and 
ltd  Marble  Rivers,  which  join  at  fome  little  diftancc 
tfore  they  enter  the  St.  Pierre. 
[The  River  St.  Pierre,  at  its  junaion  with  the  Mif- 
ttppij  is  about  a  himdred  yards  broad,  and  continues 
bt  breadth  nearly  all  the  way  I  failed  upon  it.     It  has 
fereat  depth  o£  water,  and  in  fome  places  runs  very 
pflcly.     About  fifty  miles  from  its  mouth  are  fome 
)ids,  and  much  higher  up  there  are  many  others, 
[I  proceedcf'  up  this  river  about  two  hundred  miles 
I  the  country  of  the  Naudoweflies  of  the  plains,  whidi 
)s  a  little  above  the  Forks  formed  by  the  Verd  and 
td  Marble  Rivers,  juft  mentioned,  where  a  branch 
bra  the  fouth  nearly  joins  tlie  Meflbrie  River.    By 
accounts  I  received  from  the  Indians,  I  have  re*. 
to  believe  that  the  River  St.  Pierre  and  the  Mef- 
h*e,  though  they  enter  the  MilTifippi  twelve  hundred 
lies  from  each  other,  take  their  rife  in  the  fame  neigh- 
rhood  ;  and  this  within  the  fpace  of  a  mile. 
fThe  River  St  Pierre's  northern  branch  rifes  from  t 
Imber  of  lakes  near  the  fliining  mountains  j  and  it 
jfrom  fomeof  thefe,  alfo,  that  a  capital  branch  of  the 
irer  Bourbon,  which  runs  into  Hudfon's  Bay,  has  its 
jirces. 

?rom  the  intelligence  I  gained  from  the  Naudoweffic 
iians,  among  whom  I  arrived  on  the  7th  of  Decern- 
■,  and  whofe  language  I  perfeftly  acquired  during  a 
Idence  of  fi  ;  months }  and  alfo  from  the  accounts 
fterwards  obtained  from  the  Affinipoils,  who  fpeak 
^  fame  tongue,  being  a  revolted  band  of  t'^  Nau- 
reffies ;  and  from  the  Kiiiiftinoes.  ne'lshho^s  -^ 
A^mipoils,  who  fpeak  the  Chip^way^hnguage, 
mhabit  the  heads  of  the  River  Bourbon  -,  I  fay 
thefe  nations,  together  with  my  own  obferva* 

tions, 


4^ 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


tions,  I  have  learned  that  ^  four  moil  capital  rivert 
on  the  Continent  of  North  America,  viz.  the  St.  Law^ 
rence,  the  Miffiilppi,  tlie  river  Bourbon,  and  the  OrJ 
gon  orthe  river  of  the  Weft  (a,  I  hinted  in  my  intrJ 
dijiShon  have  their  fources  in  the  fame  nei^hborhoodf 
Ihc  waters  of  the  three  former  are  within  thirty  miy 
of^each  other;  the  latier,  however,  is  rather  further] 

nJh'%^''''  *^'*  '^'^^  P""^'  ^^  the  higheft  lands  i, 
North  America ;  and  it  is  an  inftance  not  to  be  pareti 
teted  on  the  ot-lier  three  quarters  of  the  globe,  thai 
iour  rivers  of  fuch  magnitude  fhould  take  their  rife 
together,  and  each,  after  running  feparate  courfes,  ditf 
charge  thtiir  waters  into  diffin-ent  oceans  at  the  difl 
ticc  of  two.  thoufand  miles  from  their  fources.  Fo? 
la  their  paflag?  from^  this  f^ot  to  th^  Bay  of  St.  Law. 
reace,  eaiV;  to  the  Bay  of  Mexico,  fouth  /  to  Hudlbn'i 
^y,  not.  h  ;  and  to  the  bay  at  the  Straits  of  Anniaa 

mUes  ^'"^'"''''^^  "^'^^'''^'  ""^  ^^°  thoufanj 

I  fliall  here  give  my  readers  fuch  reflexions  as  oci 
curred  to  me,  when  I  had  received  this  interefting  in 
fonnatmn  anclhadbynumberlefs  inquiries,  afcertainL 
ed  the  truth  of  ,t ;  that  is,  as  far  as  it  was  poffible  tJ 
arrive  at  a  certamry  without  a  perfonal  inveftigation.    i 

.l,nl'%M       r'T  ;^''  '^^    ^^°"'^-^'    particularly 
thofeof  New  England  and  Canada,  are  greatly  afte<fr!| 

J^ittd,  which  continues  for  fevcral  months,  and  rendeni 
the  cold  much  more  intenle  there  than  it  is  in  the  in-l 
tenor  parts  of  America.     This  I  can,  from  my  own 
knowledge,  aflert  as  I  found  the  winter,  that  I  pafled  to 
the   weftward  of  the  Miffifippi,  f^u- from  fev4  ;  and 
the  noj-thweft  w.nd  blowing  on  thofe  countries  conJ 
&lerabie  more  temperate  than  I  have  often  experienced! 
«  tv  oc  ncrucx  tiic  coait.     And  that  this  did'not  ariiel 
fnjm   an  uncertainty  of  the  feafons,  but  was  annuallJ 
the  cafe,  I  conclude,  both  from  the  fmall  quantity  ofl 

liiotfl 


Liiries,  afcertaln.! 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS.  49 

hiow  that  then  fell,  and  a  total  difufc  of  fnow  flioe* 
by  thefe  Indians,  without  which  none  of  the  more  eaiU 
Irn  nations  can  poffibjy  tiavel  during  the  winter 
I  As  naturalifts  obferve,  that  air  refeaibles  water  in 
wny  refpca.,,  pait.cularly  by  often  flowing  in  a  com- 
laa  body  i  and  that  this  is  generally  remarked  to  be 
lith-  the   current  of  large  ilicams,  and  feldom  acrofs 
hem,  may  not  the  winds  that  fct  violently  into  the 
ay  of  Mexico  about  the  latter  end  of  the  year,  take 
hh'°M  rr^^'  '>  Continent  in  the  fhme  direftion 

I-  T'u^'fi^^^'  ^f'  '    *''^  ^^^*'"g  *itJ^  the  north 
linds  (that  from  a  fimdar  caufe  blow  up  the  Bourbon 
l-om  Hudfon  s  Bay)  they  are  forced  acrofs  the  great 
Ikes,  down  the  current  of  the  waters  of  the  St.  Law- 
»nce,  and  united,  commit  thofe  ravages,  and  occafion 
fole  fevere  wmters,  experienced   in  tlie  beforemen- 
toned  countries  ?    During    their  progrefs  over  the 
Ikes  they  becom.t  expanded,  and,  confequently,  afFeft 
greater  traa  of  Imd  than  they  otherwise  would  do. 
I  According  to  my  fcanty  knowledge  of  natural  phl- 
llophy,.  this  doef,  not  appear  improbable.     Wheflrer 
lis  agreeable   to  the  laws  ertabli/hed  by  naturalifts  to 
Icount  for  the   pperations   of  that  element,  I^novr 

ftLnfTif7''^\'^f''n'°"  ^'"''^  given  of  the  fit- 
^tion  of  thefe  vaft  bodies  of  water,  and  their  near  ap- 

E  ■'''f  "u^  ""^t^*  "^''^^  "^y  °^«  undigefted  fuL 
ffitions  of  their  effed  on  the  winds,  may  prove,  peC 

On  the  7th  of  December,  I  arrived  (as  I  faid  before) 
[tlicutmoft  extent.of  my  travels  to%vards  the  weft  4 

tZ    "^^  '"*^,  ^  ^""S^  P^ty  of  the  Naudowcffie 
Idians,  among  whom  I  refided  feveii  months.    Thefe 
pmtituted  a  pari:  of  the   eight   bands  of  tl..-  M---.=.J.-. 
"E"'"' of  the  plains}  and  ^re  termed  theWawpeen- 

Id  .kI   <f,-     °"'  Je  Afrahcootans,  the  Mawhaws, 
fd  the  Sclnans.      The  other  three  bands,  whofe 

names 


48 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


names  nre,  the  Schiancfe,  the  Chongoufceton,  and  the 
Waddapavvjeftin,  dwell  higher  up,  to  the  weft  of  the 
River  St.  Pierre,  on  plains  that,  according  to  their  ac- 
count, are  unbounded  ;  and  probably  terminate  on  the 
coaft  of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  The  Naudoweflie  nation, 
when  united,  conC-'ls  of  more  tjian  two  thoufand  war- 
riors.  Affinipoils,  who  revolted  from  them,  amount 
to  about  three  hundred  ;  and  league  with  the  Kilifti- 
noes,  live  in  a  continual  ftate  of  enmity  with  the  other 

eleven  bands.  -    ,   ,    , 

As  I  proceeded  up  the  River  St.  Pierre,  dnd  had 
nearly  reached  the  place  where  thefe  people  were  en- 
camped, I  obferved  two  or  three  canoes  coming  down 
the  ftream  ;  but  no  foonep  kid  the  Indians  that  were 
on  board  them,  difcovered  us,  than  they  rowed  toward 
the  land,  and  leaping  afliore  with  precipitation,  left 
their  canoes  to  float  as  the  current  drove  them.  In  a 
few  minutes  I  perceived  fome  others  ;  who,  as  foon  as 
they  came  in  fight,  followed  with  equal  fpeed  the  ex- 
ample  of  their  countrymen. 

1  now  thought  it  neceflary  to  proceed  with  caution ; 
and  therefore  kept  on  the  fide  of  the  river  oppofite  to 
that  on  which  the  Indians  had  landed.  However,  I 
ftlU  continued  my  courfcj  fatisfied  that  the  pipe  of 
peace,  which  was  fixed  at  the  head  of  my  canoe,  and 
the  Englifti  colors  that  were  flying  at  the  ftern,  would 
prove  my  fecurity.  After  rowing  about  half  a  mile 
further,  in  turning  a  point,  I  difcovered  a  great  num 
ber  of  tents,  and  more  than  a  thoufand  Indians,  at  a 
little  diftance  from  the  fhore.  Being  now  nearly  op- 
pofite to  them,  I  ordered  my  men  to  pull  dire<^tly  over, 
as  I  was  willing  to  convince  the  Indians  by  fuch  a  ftep, 
that  I  placed  fome  confidence  in  them. 

prefented  their  hands  to  me,'  and  led  me  amidft  thel 
aftoniflied  multitude,  who  had  moft  of  them  never! 
feen  a  white  man  before  to  a  tent.  Into  this  we  en-] 
tcred,  and  according  to  the  cuftom  that  univcrfally  pre 

vailsl 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


49 


valls  among  every  Indian  nation,  began  to  fmokc  the 
pipe  of  peace.  We  hatl  not  fat  long  before  the  crowd 
became  fo  great,  both  around,  and  upon  the  tent, 
that  we  were  in  danger  of  being  crufhed  by  its  fall. 
On  this  we  returned  to  the  plain,  where,  having  grati- 
fied the  curiofity  of  the  common  people,  their  wonder 
abated,  and  ever  after  they  treated  me  with  great  re- 
fped. 

From  the  chiefs  I  met  with  the  moft  friendly  and 
hofpitable  reception  ;  which  induced  me,  as  the  fea- 
fon  was  fo  far  advanced,  to  take  up  my  reiidence  among 
them  during  the  winter.  To  render  my  ftay  as  com- 
fortable as  poffible,  I  firft  endeavored  to  learn  their 
language.  This  I  foon  did,  fo  as  to  make  myfelf  per- 
fedWy  intelligible,  having  before  acquired  fome  flight 
knowledge  of  the  language  of  thofe  Indians  that  live 
on  the  back  of  the  fettleraents ;  and  in  confequence 
met  with  every  accommodation  their  manner  of  living 
would  afford.  Nor  did  I  want  for  fuch  amufements 
as  tended  to  make  fo  long  a  period  pafs  cheerfully  away. 
I  frequently  hunted  with  them  ;  and  at  other  times 
beheld  with  pleafure  their  recreations  and  paftimesj 
which  I  fhall  defcribe  hereafter. 

Sometimes  I  fat  with  the  chiefs,  and  whilfl:  we  fmok- 
cd  the  friendly  pipe,  entertained  them,  in  return  for 
the  accounts  they  gave  me  of  their  wars  and  excurfions, 
with  a  narrative  of  jny  own  adventures,  and  a  defcrip- 
tion  of  all  the  battles  fought  between  the  Englifli  and 
French  in  America,  in  many  of  which  I  had  a  perfonal 
Ihare.  They  always  paid  great  attention  to  my  details, 
and  alked  many  pertinent  queftions  relative  to  the  Eu- 
ropean methods  of  making  war. 

I  held  thefe  converfations  with  them  in  a  great 
meafure  to  procure  from  them  fome  information  rel- 
ative to  the  chief  point  I  had  conftantiy  in  view,  that 
oi  gaining  a  knowledge  of  the  fituation  and  produce, 
both  of  their  own  country,  and  thofe  that  lay  to  the 
weftward  of  them.  Nor  was  I  difappointed  in  my 
defigns  •,  for  I  procured  from  them  much  ufeful  intel- 
E  Hgeace. 


5a. 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


ligence.  They  likewise  drew  for  me  plans  of  all  the 
countries  with  which  they  were  acquainted  }  but  as  I 
entertained  no  great  opinion  of  their  geographical  | 
knowledge,  I  placed  not  much  dependence  on  them, 
and  therefore  think  it  unnecelTary  to  give  them  to  the 
public.  1  Key  draw  with  a  piece  of  burnt  coal,  taken 
from  the  hearth>  upon  the  infide  bark  of  the  birch 
tree  ;  which  is  as  fmooth  as  paper,  ar)d  anfwers  the 
fame  purpofes,  notwithftanding  it  is  of  a  yellow  cart. 
Their  fketches  are  made  in  a  rude  manner,  but  they 
feem  to  give  us  as  juft  an  idea  of  a  country,  although  I 
the  plan  is  not  fg  exaft,  as  more  experienced  draughts- 
men could  do.  ■'f-      ^ 

I  left  the  habitations  of  thefe  hofpitable  Indians  thcj 
latter  end  of  April,  1767  j  but  did  not  part  from  th'*m[ 
for  feveral  days,  as  I  was  accompanied  on  my  journey 
by  near  three  hundred  of  them,  among  whom  were! 
many  .chiefs,  to  tlie  mouth  of  the  River  St.   Pierre. 
At  this  feafon,  thefe  bands  annually  go  to  the   Greatl 
Cave  before  mentioned,  to  hold  a  grand  council  with] 
all  the  other  bands  *,  wherein  they  fettle  their  opera- 
tions for  the  enfuing  year.     At  the  fame  time  theyl 
carry  with  them  their  dead,  for  interment,   bound  upj 
an  buffaloes'  fltins.     Befides   thofe  that  accompanied! 
me,  others  were  gone  before,  and  the  reft  were  tol 
follow. 

Never  did  I  travel  with  fo  clieerful  and  happy  a  com^ 
pany.  But  their  mirth  met  with  a  fudden  and  tempo-j 
rary  allay  from  a  violent  ftorm  that  overtook  us  onel 
day  on  our  paffage.  We  had  juft  landed,  and  were! 
preparing  to  fet  up  our  tents  for  the  night,  when  aj 
heavy  cloud  pverfpread  the  heavens,  and  the  moft! 
dreadfiil  thimder,  lightning,  and  rain  iflued  from  it  thai 
ever  I  heard  or  beheld. 

jfhelter  as  they  could  find  ;  for  only  a  few  tents  w< 
as  yet  ereifted.  Apprehenfive  of  the  danger  tl 
,»iight  efifue  from  ilanding  near  any  thing  which  coi 

fervel 


plans  of  all  the 
itcd  :  but  as  I 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Si 


fcrve  for  a  rondu(Jlor,  as  the  cloud  appeared  to  contain 
j  fuch  an  uncommon  quantity  of  elet^lrical  fluid,  I  took 
my  Hand  as  far  as  poUible  from  any  covering  ;  choofing 
rather  to  be  expolcd  to  the  peltings  of  the  florm,  than 
I  to  receive  a  fatal  ftroke.     At  this  the  Indians  were 
I  greatly  furprifed,  and  drew  conclufions  from  it  not  un- 
favorable to   the   opinion  they  already  enteitained  oF 
my  refdution.     Yet  I  acknowledf^   that  I  was  never 
JBiore  affeaed  in  my  life  ;   for  nothing  fcarcely  could 
lexcecd  the  terrillc  fcenc.     The  peals  of  thunder  were 
Ifo  loud  that  they  fliook  the  earth  ;  and  the  lightning 
Iflafhed  along  the  ground  in  ftreams  of  lulphur  ;  fo 
■that   the   Jnd'an    chiefs    themfelves,    although   their 
courajre  in  war  is  ufually  invincible,  could  not  heb 
^rembling  at  the  horrid  combufticn.     As  foon  as  tlie 
^torm  was  over,  they  flocked  around  mc,  and  informed 
tne,  that  it  was  a  proof  of  the  anger  cf  the  e\  il  ipirits, 
^'hom  they  were  apprehenfive  that  they  had  hiehlv 
ullcnded.  ^    ^ 

When  we  arrived  at  the  Great  Cave,  and  the  Indiana 
aad  depbfited  the  remains  of  their  deccafed  friends  in 
Ihe  burial  place  that  ftands  adjacent  to  it,  they  held 
Iheir  great  council,  into  which  I  was  admitted,  and  at 
the  lame  time  had  the  honor  to  be  inftalled  or  adopted 
k  chief  of  their  bands.  On  this  occailon  I  made  the 
[ollowing  fpeech,  which  I  infert,  to  give  niy  readers  a 
pcimen  of  the  language,  and  manner  in  which  it  is 
lecellary  to  addrefs  the  Indians,  fo  as  to  engage  their 
jttention,  and  to  render  the  Ipeaker's  expreffion  con- 
louant  to  their  ideas.  It  was  delivered  on  the  firfl:  day 
}iMay,  1767.  .  ' 

"My  brothers,  chiefs  of  the  numerous  and  power- 
ii  Naudoweflies  !  I  rejoice  that  through  my  long 
bode  with  you,  I  can  now  foeak  tn  "n'.^  tth.r^-.:r.h  r-s^—^ 
In  imperfedl  manner)  in  your  own  tongue,  like  one  of 
rour  own  children.  I  rejoice  alio  that  I  have  had  an 
Jpportunity  fo  frequently  to  inform  you  of  the  glory 
mu  power  of  the   Great  King  that  reigns  over  the 

Englifh 


5» 


CARVER'S  TRAVFXS. 


1:  ^n 

: 

M 

n 

f 

EngliAi   and   other  nations,  who  is  defcended  from  a  I 
very  ancient  race  of  fovcreigns,  as  old  as  the  earth  and 
waters  j  whofc  feet  iland  on  two  great  iflands,  larger 
than  any  you  have  ever  feen,  amidft  the  greatcft  waten 
in  the  world,  whofe  head  reaches  to  the  fun,  and  whofe 
arms  encircle   the  whole  earth  :  the  number  of  whofe 
warriors  are  equal  to  the  trees  in  the  vallies,  the  ftalks 
of  rice  in  yonder  marfhes,  or  the  blades  of  grafs  onl 
your  great  plains  :  who  has  hundreds  of  canoes  of  hisj 
own,  of  fuch  amazing  bigiuis,  that  ill  the  waters  in  I 
your  country  would  not  fuffice  for  one  of  them  to  fwiml 
in  i  each  of  which  have  guns,  not  fmall  like  mine,! 
which  you  fee  before  you,  but  of  fuch  magnitude,  thati 
a   hundred  of  your  fluuteft  young  men  would  withi 
difficulty  be  able  to  carry  one.     And  thefe  are  equallyl 
furprifing  in  their  operation  againft  the  great  king'sl 
enemies  when  engaged  in  battle  ;  the  terror  they  carrjl 
with  them,  your  language  wants   words  to  exprefs.! 
You  may  remember   the  other  day  when  we  were  en-| 
camping  at  Wadawpawmenefotor,   the  black   clouds,! 
the  wind,  the  fire,  the  ftupendous  noife,  the  horriblej 
cracks,  and  the  trembling  of  the  earth,  which  thenl 
alarmed  you,  and   gave  you  reifon  to  think  your  godsj 
were  angry  with  you  ;  not  unlike  thefe  are  the  wai- 
like  implements  of  the  Engliih,  when  ikey  are  fighting! 
the  battles  of  their  great  king. 
,    *•  Several  of  the  chiefs  of  your  bands  have  often  told! 
»ne>  in  times  pafl,  when  I  dwelt  with  you  in  your  tents,! 
that  they  much  wifhed  to  be  counted  among  the  chilJ 
dren  and  allies  of  the  great  king  my  mafter.     You  may  I 
remember  how  often  you  have  defired  me,  when  I  returnj 
again  to  my  own  country,  to  acquaint  the  great  king  of! 
your  good  difpofition  towards  him  and  his  fubjeils,  and! 
that  you  wilhed  for  traders  from  the  Englifh  to  coincl 
among  you. 

"  Being  now  about  to  take  leave  of  you,  and  to  re<| 
turn  to  my  own  country,  a  long  way  towards  the  rifingj 
fun,  I  agaia  aik  you  to  tell  me  whether  you  continucl 

of| 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


f» 


of  the  fame  mind  as  when  I  fpoke  to  you  in  council 
laft  winter  j  and  as  there  are  now  feveral  of  your  chiefs 
I  here,  who  came  from  the  great  plains  towards  the  fet- 
1  ting  of  the  fun,  whom  1  have  never  fi)oke  witli  in 
council  before,  I  afk  you  to  let  me  know  if  you  r.rc  alj 
willing  to  acknowledge  yourr'ive..  ilie  children  pf  my 
great  mafter  the  king  of  th  ,  Englji:,;  and  other  nation(s, 
as  I  fliall  take  the  firft  opp:  n.:my  u  a»;(iu^iut  him, of 
your  defires  and  good  inten.'r,;',;. 

"  I  charge  you  not  to  give  i  cJ.  io  bad  reports,   for 

there  are  wicked  birds  flymg  about  among  tlie  ncigh- 

boring  nations,  who  may  whifper  evil  things  in  your 

I  ears  againft  the  Engliih,  contrary  to  what  I  have  told 

I  you  ;  you  mull  not  belie've  them,  for  I  have  told  you 

ithe  truth. 

"  And  as  for  the  chiefs  that  are  about  to  go  to 
Michillimackinac,  I  flrall  take  care  to  make  for  them 
and  their  fuit,  a  ftraight  road,  fmooth  waters,  and  jl 
clear  fky  ;  that  they  may  go  there,  and  fmoke  the 
I  pipe  of  peace,  and  reft  fecure  on  a  beaver  l)lanket  under 
the  Ihade  of  the  great  tree  of  peace.     Farewell  !" 

To  this  fpeech  I  received  the  following  anfwer,  from 
the  mouth  of  the  principal  chief. 

«*  Good  brother  !  I  am  now  about  to  fpeak  f^  you 

the    language   of    thele  my  brothers,  chiefs  o.    the 

I  eight  bands  of  the  powerful  nation  of  the  Naudowef- 

jfies.     We  believe  and  are  well  iatisfled  in  the  truth  of 

I  every  thing  you  have  told  us  about  your  great  nation, 

and  the  great  king  cur  greatcft  fatlier  ;  for  whom  we 

fpread  this  beaver  blank. l,  that  his  fatherly  proi-jaioii 

may  ever  reft  eafy  and  fafc  amongft  us  his  children  : 

your  colors  and  your  arms  agree  with  the  accounts  you 

I  have  given  us  about  your  great  nation.     We  defire  tliat 

j  when  you  return,  you  will  acquaint  the  great  king  how 

1  much  the  Naudoweffies  wilh  to  be  counted 


good  children. 


.\mong 


"  You  may  believe  us  when  we  tell  you  that  we  will 
not  open  our  eras  to  any  \>ho  may  dare  to  fpeak .  eV?) 


E2 


of 


54 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


of  oitr  great  father  the  king  of  the  Engllfh  and  other  | 
nations. 

<*  We  thank  you  for  what  you  have  done  for  us  in 
making  peace  between  the  Naudoweflies  and  the  Chipe- 
ways,  and  hope  when  you  return  to  us  again,  that  you  I 
will  complete  this  good  work  ;  and  quite  difpelling  the 
clouds  that  intervene,  open  the  blue  Iky  of  peace,  and 
caufe  the  bloody  hatchet  to  be  deep  buried  under  the  I 
roots  of  the  great  tree  of  peace. 

*'  "We  wifh  you  to  to  remember  to  reprefent  to   our  I 
great  father  how  much  we  deiire  that  traders  may  be 
lent  to  abide  among  us  with  fuch  things  as  we  need, 
that  the  hearts  of  our  young  men,  our  wives  and  chil- 
dren may  be  made  glad.     And  may  peace  fubfift  be- 1 
tween  us,  fo  long  as  the  fun,  the  moon,  the  earth,  and] 
the  waters  Ihall  endure.     Farewell !" 

I  thought  it  neceflary  to  caution  the  Indians  againftj 
giving  heed  to  any  bad  reports  that  may  reach  them] 
irom   the  neighboring  nations,  to   the    difadvantage  I 
of   the    Englilh,  as  I  had  heard,  at  different  places j 
tlorough  which  I  pafTed,  that  emiffaries  were  ftill  em- 
ployed by  the  French  to  detach  thofe  who  were  friend- 
ly to  the  Englifli,  from  their  intereft.     And  I  faw,| 
myfelf,  feveral  belts  of  Wampum  that  had  been  deliv- 
ered  for  ♦^his   purpofe   to  (bme  of  the  tribes   I  wasl 
among.     On  the  delivery  of  each  of  thefe,  a  talk  wasl 
held,    "herein  the  Indians  were  tol-d  that  the  Englifh,! 
who  were  but  a  petty  people,  had  jTcolen  that  countryl 
from  their  great  father  the  king  of  France,  whilft  hej 
was   afleep  j  but  that  he  would  foon  awake,  and  take] 
them  again  under  his  protection.     Thefe  I  found  were 
fent  from  Canada,  by  perfons  who  appeared  to  be 
Well    aucdcu    tOvvofuS    tiic   gOvcfliiTient   u: 
they  lived. 

Whilft  I  tarried  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  St. 

ierre,  with  thefe  friendly  Indians,  I  endeavored  to 
gain  'ntelligence  whether  any  goods  had  been  fent  to 
waro-  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony  for  jny  ufe,  agreeably 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


5S 


lllh  and  other 


to  the  promife  I  hs  '  received  from  the  Governor  when. 
I  left  MichilKmackinac.  But  finding  from  fome  In- 
dians, who  pafTed  by  in  their  return  from  thofe  parts, 
that  this  agreement  had  not  Ijeen  fulfilled,  I  was  oblig- 
ed to  give  up  all  thoughts  of  proceeding  further  to  the 
northweft  by  this  route,  according  to  my  original  plan. 
I  therefore  returned  to  La  Prairie  le  Chien,  where  I 
!  procured  as  many  goods  from  the  traders  I  left  there 
the  preceding  year,  as  they  could  fpare. 

As  thefe,  however,  were  not  fufficient  to  enable  me 

to  "renew  my  firft  defign,  I  determined  to  endeavor 

to  make  my  way  acrofs  the  country  of  the  Chipeways 

to  Lake  Superior  j  in  hopes  of  meeting  at  the  Grand 

Portage  on  the  north  fide  of  it,  the  traders  that  an- 

jniirlly  go  from  Michillimackinac   to  the  northweft  } 

I  of  whom  I  doubted  not  but  that  I  fhould  be  able  to 

[procure  goods  enough  to  anfwer  my  purpofe,  and  alfo 

|to  penetrate  through  thofe  more  northern  parts  to  the 

[Straits  of  Annian. 

And  I  the  more  readily  returned  to  La  Prairie  Ic 
[Chien,  as  I  could  by  that  means  the  better  fulfil  the 
jengagement  I  had  made  to  the  party  of  Naudowcffies 
[mentioned  at  the  conclufion  of  my  fpeech. 

During  my  abode  with  this  people,  wifhing  to  fe- 

cure  them  entirely  in  the  intereft  of  the  Englilh,  I  had 

advifed  fome  of  the  chiefs  to  go  to  Michillimackinac, 

^vhere  they  would  have  an  opportunity  of  trading,  and 

|of  hearing  the  accounts  that  I  had  entertained  them 

p-ith  of  my  countrymen,  confirmed.      At  the  fame 

[tune  I  had  furnifhed  them  with  a  recommendation  to 

the  Governor,  and  given  them  eveiy  dircftion  necef- 

lary  for  their  voyage. 

ill  cosicqucnce  or  this,  one  of  the  principal  chieft, 
and  twenty  five  of  an  inferior  rank,  agreed  to  go  the 
enfuing  fummer.  This  they  took  an  opportunity  of 
aomg,  when  they  came  with  the  reft  of  their  band  to 
attend  the  Grand  Council  at  the  mouth  of  the  River 
)t.  Pierre.    Being  obliged,  on  account  of  the  difap- 

pointment 


5<J 


CARVER^s  TRAVEL!?. 


pointment  I  had  juft  been  informed  of,  to  return  fo 
far  down  the  Miffifippi,  I  could  from  t'lKnce  the  more 
eafily  fet  them  on  their  journey. 

As  the  intermediate  parts  of  this  river  are  much  fre- 
quented by  the  Chipeways,  with  whom  the  Naudow- 
eflies  are  continually  at  war,  they  thought  it  more 
prudent,  being  but  a  fmall  party,  to  take  the  advan- 
tage of  the  night,  than  to  travel  with  me  by  day ;  ac- 
cordiijly  no  fooner  was  the  Grand  Council  broke  up, 
than  I  took  a  friendly  leave  of  thefc  people,  from  whom 
I  had  received  innumerable  civilities,  and  purfued  once 
n?ore  my  voyage.  I 

I  reached  the  eaftern  fide  of  Lake  Pepin  the  fame 
night,  where  I   went  alhore  and  encamped  as  ufual. 
The  next  morning,  when  I  had  proceeded  fome  miles 
further,  I  perceived  at  a  diftance  before  me,  a  fm9ke, 
whicli   denoted  that  fome  Indians  were  near  j  and  in  j 
a  fhort  time  difcovered  ten  or  twelve  tents,   not  far 
from   the  bank  of  the  river.     As  I  was  appreheniive  I 
that  this  was  a  party  of  the  Rovers  I  had  before  met 
with,  I  knew  not  what  courfe  to  purfue.     My  attend- 1 
ants  perfuaded  me  to  endeavor  to  pafs  by  them  on  the 
oppoiite  fide  of  the  river  ;  but  as  I  had  hitherto  found 
that  the  beft  way  to  -enfure  a  friendly  reception  from 
the    Indians,  is  to  nT^et    them  boldly,    and   without  | 
Ihewing  any  tokens  of  fear,  I  would  by  no  means  cou- 
nt to  their  propofal.     Inftead  of  this  I  crofied  di- 
redlly  over,  and  landed  in  the  midll  of  them,  for  byl 
this  time  the  greatell  part  of  them  were  (landing  oaj 
the  fhore. 

The  lirft  I  accofted  were  the  Chipeways,  inhabiting! 
near  the  Ottowaw  Lakes  ;  who  received  me  with  greatj 

•L.\fx  x.txii  '^'-7}     aiivt      .'iiwf  rt      tt  jv     tjj 

friendfliip.     At  fome  little  dirtance  .behind  thefe  ftoccl| 
a  chief  remarkably  tall  and  well  made,  but  of  ib  fternl 
an  afpedt,  that  tlie  moft  undaunted  perfon  could  notj 
behold   him  without  feeling  fome  degree  of  terror. 
He  feemed  to  Lave  paiTed  the  meridian  of  life,  ai«l 

by 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


S7 


I  by  the  mode  in  which  he  was  painted  and  tatowed,  I 
I  difcovered  that  he  was  of  high  rank.  However,  I  ap- 
Iproached  him  in  a  courteous  manner,  and  expeiXcd  to 
I  have  met  with  the  fame  reception  I  h  d  done  from 

thj  others  }  but  to  my  great  furprife,  h.,  withheld  hb 
I  hand,  and  looking  fiercely  at  me,  faid,  in  the  Chipe- 

way  tongue,  «  Cawin  nifhilhin  faganolh,"  thai  is, 
J«  The  Engliih  are  no  good."  As  he  had  his  toma- 
Ihawk  in  his  hand,  I  expected  that  this  laconic  fentencc 
I  would  have  been  followed  with  a  Wow  ;  to  prevent 
[which,  I  di-ew  a  piftol  frotf  my  belt,  and,  holding  it 
jin  a  caielefs  pofition,  pafled  clofe  by  him,  to  let  him 
Ifce  i  was  not  afraid  of  him. 

I  learned  foon  after  from  the  other  Indians,  that  this 
Jwas  a  chief,  called  by  the  French,  the  Grand  Sautor, 
lor  the  Great  Chipeway  Chief,  for  they  denominate  the 
jChipeways,  Sautors.  They  likewife  told  me  that  he 
I  had  been  always  a  fteady  friend  ^o  that  people,  and 
Iwhen  they  delivered  up  Michillimackinac  to  the  Eng- 
llifh  on  their  evacuation  of  Canada,  the  Gr^nd  Sautw 
Ihad  fworn  that  he  would  ever  remain  the  avowed  ene- 
Imy  of  its  new  pofieffijrs,  as  the  territories  on  which  the 
Ifort  is  built  belonged  to  him. 

I  Finding  him  thus  difpofed,  T  took  care  to  be  con- 
Iftantly  upon  ray  gu^  rd  whilft  I  ftaid  ;  but  :hat  he 
imight  not  fuppofe  \  was  driven  away  by  his  frowns, 

II  took  up  my  abode  there  for  the  night.  I  pitched 
jmy  tent  at  fome  diftaace  from  the  Indians,  and  had 

no  fooner  laid  myfelf  down  to  reft,  than  I  was  awak- 
ed by  my  French  fervant.      Having  been  alarmed  by 
■the  found  of  Indian  mufic,  he  had  run  to  the  out- 
Ifide  of  the  tent,  where  he  beheld  a  party  of  the  young 
Ravages  dancing  towards  us  in  an  extraordinary  man- 


acr^    *»arK 


^5  t"t»»Ft  r»  rr 


III    iilS  iiailu  u    tOi 


top  of  a  long  pole.  But  I  fhall  defer  any  further 
iccount  of  this  uncommon  entertainment,  which  at 
jnce  furprifed  and  alarmed  me,  tUl  I  treat  of  the  In- 
■tn  dances. 

The 


58 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS, 


The  next  morning  I  continued  my  voyage,  and  be. 
fore  night  reached  La  Prairie  le  Chien  ;    at  uhicli! 
place  the  party  of  Naudoweffies  foon  overtook  nie,, 
Not  long  after,  the  Grand  Sautor  alfo  arrived,  and  be- 
fore the  Naudoweffies  left  that  place  to  continue  their 
journey  to  Michillimackinac,   he  found  means,  in  con- 
junction  with  fome  French  traders  from  Louifiana,  to 
draw  from  me  about   ten  of  the  Naudo%veffie  chiefs,  | 
whom  he  prevailed  upon  to  go  toward  thofe  parts. 

The  remainder  proceeded,  according  to  my  direc^ 
tions,  to  the  Englilh  fort  ;  from  whence  I  afterwaru«l 
heard  that  they  returned  to  their  own  country  without  I 
any  unfortunate  accident  befalling  them,  and  greatly 
pleafed  with  the  reception  they  had  met  with.    'Whillll 
not  more  than  half  of  thofe  who  went  to  the  foutli- 
ward  through  the  difi'erence  of  that  Ibuthern   climaU 
from  their  own,  lived  to  reach  their  ab^de.     And  iince 
I  came  to  England,  I  have  been  informed,  that  the 
Grand  Sautor  having  rendered  himfelf  more  and  more 
difguftful  to  the  Englilh,  by  his  inveterate  enmity  to- 
wards  them,  was  at  length  ftabbed  in  his  tent,  as  he 
encamped  near  Michillimackinac,  by  a  trader,  to  whom 
I  had  related  the  foregoiAg  ftory. 

I  fliould  have  remarked,  that  whatever  Lidians  hap- 
pen to  meet  at  La  Prairie  le  Chien,  the  great  mart  I 
to  which  all  who  inhabit  the  adjacent  ecnntries  refort, 
though  the  nations  to  which  ihey  belong,   are  at  war 
with  each  other,  yet  they  are  obliged  to  rellrain  their 
enmity,  and  to  forbear  all  hoftile  afcs  .during  their  flay 
there.      This   regulation   has   been   long    eftablilliedl 
among  them  for  their  mutual  convenience,   as  with- 
out it  no  trade  could  be  carried  on.     The  fame  rule  isj 
obferved  alfo  at  the  Red  Mountain  (afterwards  de- 
fcrihed^  from  whence  thev  tret  the  ftrsnf*.  of  v-'l^irh! 
they  make  their  pipes  j    thefe  being  indifpenfable  to 
the  accommodation  of  every    neighboring    tribe,  ij 
fimilar  reftridion  becomes  needful,  and  is  of  public 
utility. 

The! 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


S9 

Th^  River  St.  Pierre,  which  runs  throudi  the  ter- 
htones  o.  the  Naudovveffies,  flows  through  a  moft  de- 
Ijghtfli!  country,  abounding  with  all  the  neceffaries  of 
lite,  tiiat  grow  fpontaneoufly  ;    and  with  a  little  cixU 

U1T  '\S".t'-^^  """'^^  ^°  P'*'^^"'^^  ^''^'^  the  luxuries 
bf  life.     Wild  rice  grows  here  in  great  abundance; 
bd  every  part  is  filled  wuh  trees,  bending  under  thei^ 
bads  of  fruits,  fuoh  as  plums,  grapes,  and  apples  ;  the 
aeadows  are  covered  with  hops,  and  manf  fois  of 
Vegetables  ;  whuft  the  ground  is   ftored   with  ufeful 
loots,  with   angelica,  fpikenard,  and   groundnuts,  as 
?rge  as  hens  eggs.     At  a  little  diftance  from  the  fides 
.  the  nver  are  eminences,  from  which  vou  have  views 
^at  cannot  be  exceeded  even  by  the  m o'rt  beautiful  of 
^ole  I  have  already  defcribed  ;    amidft  thefe,  are  de- 
Ightiul  groves,  and  A  ch  amazing  quantities  of  maples 
hat  they  would  produce  fugar  fufficlent  for  anrnuS 
er  of  inhabitants.  ^ 

A  little  way  from  the  mouth  of  this  river,  on  the 
.rth  iide  of  ,t,  ftands  a  hill,  one  part  of  which,  that 

b  :;  the'f '^'T^'  ''  ^°"P°^^'^  entirely  ofVht 
k)ne,  of  the  fame  foft  nature  as  that  I  have  before  de, 

hbed  ;  for  fuch,  indeed,  is  all  the  ftone  in  this  counl 

liut  vvhat  appears  remarkable,  is,  that  the  color 

It  IS  as  white  as  the  driven  fnow.      The  outwarl 

kt  of  ,t  was  crumbled  by  the  wmd  and  weather  into 

fc  Zr'  f  "^'f  ^'^"^"^"^  compofition  might 
.?  1  .u  A  ^"^  ""^  opmion,  that,  when  properlv 
pated,  the  ftone  itfelf  would  grow  harder  by  tk  e! 
M  have  a  very  noble  effea  in  archite^.r  .     ^  ' 

.Wear  that  branch,  which  is  termed  the  Marble  Riv, 

'rlYfi;;*'"'''""'  r'^""  '^^^"'^^  *^^  Indians  get  a  fort 
-ed  fij,ne  out  of  which  they  hew  the  bowl!  of  tfce^ 

jpcs.     in  lome  of  thefe  narts.  ic  f«.,„^  ™  ui-.l   i      . 

k>  or  rather  ftone,  of  which  the  Naudoweffiermake 
eir  fem.^  utenfils.      This  country  likewiff^bo^nd" 

Ith  a  milkwhite  clay,  of  which  China  ware  mi«h  be 

^de  equal  m  goodnefs  to  the  Aiiatic  ;  and  alfo  with 

a  blue 


CARVETCi 


a  blue  (liy,  that  Ccvvfs  the  Indians  ior  paint,  with  thisj 
hikj  the/   contrive;  I »y  mixing  it  with  there4ftonc,| 
powdered,   to   paint    thernfelves  of     different 
Thole  that  can  get  the  bl  v^  cby  here  mentioned,  paimi 
t!»«mfclves  very  mudi  with  it  -,  particnlirly  whets  they 
ore  about  to  begin  theii   fp  lis  an '3  paiin.  ,s.     h  is 
aifo  efteemed  by  then\  a  iruirk  of  pe;«c,  as  it  has  a  re- 
fymWf  ice  of  a  Hue  iky,  which  whh  them  is  a  fym-l 
boi  oi  it,  and  majde  ufe  of  in  their  fpeeches  as  a  fignraJ 
t\w  expreffion  to  denote  penre.     When  they  wiih  toj 
ihcw  that  their  inclinations  are  pacific  towards  otherl 
tribes,  they  greatly  ornament  I'-'th  thernfelves  and  their  I 

belts  with  it.  .  .  I 

Having  concluded  my  buiinc*s  at  La  Prairie  le  Chi.| 
en,  I  proceeded  once  more  up  the  Miffifippi,  as  far  asl 
the  place  where  the  Chipeway  E  iver  enters  it,  a  littlej 
below  Lake  Pepinr  Here,  having  engaged  an  Indiail 
pilot,  I  direfted  him  to  fleer  towards  the  Ottawavj 
Lakes,  which  lie  near  the  head  of  this  river.  This  li«I 
did,  and  I  arrived  at  them  the  beginning  of  July. 

The  Chipeway  River,  at  its  junction  \vith  the  MiHij 
£ppi,  is  about  eighty  yards  wide,  but  is  mucWw^ider  jf 
yoB  advance  into  it.  Near  thirty  miles  Up  it  feparate 
into  two  branches,  and  I  took  my  courfe  through  that 
which  lies  to  the  ealtward. 

The  country  adjoining  to  the  river,  for  about  fixt] 
miles  is  very  level,  and  on  its  banks  lie  fine  meadowij 
vhere  larger  droves  of  buffaloes  and  elks  were  feeding 
than  I  obwrvcd  in  any  other  part  of  my  travels.  Tb 
track  between  the  two  branches  of  this  river  is  termei^ 
the  Road  of  War,  between  the  Chipeway  and  Nai> 
doweffie  Indians. 

The  country  to  the  falls  is  '^  without  any  tin 

ber,  and  above  that,  -"ry         /en  and  rugged, 
:lolely  wooded  with  pi/  :h,  maple,  aim  bu> 

Here  a  moft  remarkafeh       •-  uiionifhing  fight  prefeit 
cd  itfelf  to  my  vievt:    1  -       'ood,  on  the  eafl  of 


river,  which  was  about 


carters  of  a 


mile 

leiigtlij 


CARVER'S  TRAV|:LS. 


6i 


-^kngth,^nd  m  dqjthe  further  than  my  eye  could  reachl 

1  obiijKved  that«every  tree,  many  of  which  w^re  more^"      «,] 

fT;nnT.v^er>  in.  .;r.^„U,^^.»„,..      lying  fljj  ^^  jj^g*        ^1 

app^ed^to  have 
,lhurrica3e,  that  (»filfe 
from  .the  weft  fome  years,jjgo  ;  but  how  many  I  could 
n^earn,  -^s  I  found  no  inhabitants  near  it,  of  whom 
I  Mild  g}4n  information.     TJie  coulitry  on  the  weft- 


ifid^f  the  river,  from  being  lefs  wopdyjiidd  ef<»ped, 
m  a  great  meafure,  this'havoc,  as  oifl|  a  mf  trees'" were 


m 

blown  down. 

Near  the  Jjteads  of  >Ris  river,  is  a  towii  of  the  Ghip- 
eways,  fro^whcnce  it  takes  its  name.     It  is  fituatieA 
on  g^  fide  of  the  river,  (xvhich  at  this  place  is  of 
no  Widerable  breadth)  and  lies  adjacent  to  the  banics 
of  a  fmall   lake.      This  town  contains   about  forty 
hou^*  ahd  can  fend  out   upwairds  of  one  hundred    . 
war^Jfc-s,  many  of  v%hoth  were  fine,  ftout  young  men..- 
ihe  houfes  of  it  ailr  buHt  after  the  Indian  manner 
w  ^^^1  "^^'  plantations  behind^  them  -,  but  the  ^A 
T  u  ^fjL    '",g®"^''^'»  feemed  to  be  the  naftieft  people 
I  had#rer  b|Bn  among.     I  oWerved,  that  the  women 
and  childr^indulged  therafelves  in  a  cuftom,  w^l^h, 
though  common,   in  fome  degree,  throughout  every 
Indian  nation,  appears  to  be,  accoi^ing  to  our  ideas, 
of  the  moft  nauceons  and  indelicate  nature  ;  that  of 
learchmg  each  other's  head,  and  eating  the  prey  caught 

Ik.  /  r ^  ^  ^^^  thiijfcown,  and  having  dMd  a  num- 
per  ot  Imall  lakes  affl  carrying  places  th*  intervened, 
came  to  a  head  branch  of  the  River  St.  Croix.  This  ' 
I  branch  I  defcended  to  a  fork,  and  then  afcended  an- 
lother  to  Its  fource.  On  both  thefe'  rivers  I  difcovered 
[lev:.ral  mmes  of  virgin  copper,  which  was  as  nurp.  as 
|i«rfi  lound  m  any  other  country.,.  4, . 

He/e  I  came  to  a  fmall  h^-ook,  which  my  guide 
i  hought  might  be  joined  at  m^e  diftance  by  ftreains 
Ithat  would  at  length  render  it  i^avigable.  The  wat?r 
^  at 


i» 


62 


\4 


CARVER'S  TRAVEJ^.    ^ 


in 


at  firft  was  fo  fc:^y,  that  my  canoe  wouk|»by  no 
^eans  Iwim  m  it  j  but  having  ftoppetkup  fevesdl  old 
Reaver  dfms,  wlii<#Jj|d  been  ^broken  d&im.by"th? 
»   hunters^i  ^s  ci^^o  pToceed%r  fome  mile,,   - 

I^IJie  conjuiaion  ofi  few  brooks,  thefe  aids  bees 


>,  till 

-—         -  — r-»  — —  —v.-  became 

no  longer  neceffaty.     In  ag^ort  time  the  water  in- 
creafed  to  a  moft  ripid  river,  which  we  drfcended 
tiU  it  entered  intcf Lair-  Superior.     This  river  |  nafi 
T"  ^^«"*^S|«anthat  defired  to  accompany  me  if 
the  town  ome  OUagaumies  to  the  Carrying  Plac6  o« 
Lake  Superior,  Goddard's  I^Jvo^ 

To  the  weft  of  this  is  anotflS  fn»|l  dver,  which 
alTo  empties  itfelf  mto  the  Lake,  ^hf  I  termed 
btrawbcrry  River,  from  the  great  number  g  ftraw- 
berries  of  a  good  fize  and  flavor  that  sxM  JKts 
tanks.  '  i-  °       ^ 

'  Th^  country  from  4he  Ottowaw  Lakes  to  Lake  Su- 
perior, IS  in  general  very  unpren  and  thickI^o%cd 
with  woods.  The  foil  in  fome  pisfts  is  tolerably  good, 
in  others  but  indifferent.  In  the  heads  of  the  St. 
Groix  and  the  ChjpeMray  Rivers  are  rxceedicg  fine 
Ihirgeon.  All  the  wil«rnefs  betw<pk  t^e  Mifcfipni 
and.^ke  Superior  is  called  by  the  mdi^p^the  Mof- 
chetto  Country,  and  I  thought  it  moft  juftly  named ; 
ior.  It  being  then  their  feafon,  I  never  faw  or  felt  fo 
many  of  thofc  infecfcs  in  my  life. 

The  latter  end  of  July  I  arrived,  after  having  coaft- 
ed  thi-(|^h  Weft  Bay,  at  the  Grand  Portage,  v^[^ 
J^s  on  |h«^orthweft  bord#s  0$  Lake  SuperC 
Here  thdfe  im||o  go  on  the  riortRweft  trade,  to  the 
Lakes  De  Pluye,  Dubods,  &c.  carry  over  their  canoes 
and  baggage  about  nine  miles,  till  they  come  to  a 
number  of  fmall  lafees,  the  waters  of  fome  of  which 
defcend  into  Lake  Superior,  and  others  into  the  river 
Bourbon.  Lake  Superiorirom  Weft  Tiav  to  this  olare 
IS  bounded  by  rock^  ex^t  toward?  che  fouthweft'jiait^ 
oyixe  Bay,  where  I  firli  «lered  it,  there  it  was  tolerably 
level,  ^ 


*  /    • 


4» 

r 


CikRVER's  TRAVELS. 


<53 


At  ffee  Grand  ]^rt9|eis  a  fmall  bay,  before  the 
entrance  of  which  lies  an  ifland  that  intercepts    he ' 
arcry  aad  unint^mpfea  .^ie^  oyer  the  Lake!  whck 
otherwife  would  have  prefented  itl^^^i  ^^ke!   ^ 

fpeftive  kings  an jTth'eir  families.     They  were  IS     # ' 
to  th.s  place  in  order  to  meet  th.  tr  dS  f^om  £         '^ 

of  U.  Lakes  that  lie  ^^:^J:^Z^^^ 

Lake  Bouijbon,  the  moftliorthern  of  thofe  vL  X 

covered,  i^eeived  its  name  from  foL  French  ^^f''  ' 

who  ^compa^ned  a  party  of  IxSi^T^^Sl^^  ' 

of  the  wafers  of  the  Bom  boa  uT"'   ?  f^^^^P^^ci 
before  obferved   r  L  .     T:     '^^'^*  ''*^*^^^'  '''^  ^  ^^'^'e 
QOt  far  from  the  norr?  ^reat  w^y  to  the  fpu^hwlfd«  ^ 
ThTs  lakTi   iS'T^^f  ^'''^'  °^  tt*  Mi,aiiippi.    ^. 

iflands  on  it,     ^Ld  of  th,  eaft^f^^^L?^  ^^^«^" 
good;  and  to  the  fouthweft  tiaere  IrTV        '' H^ 
tains:  in  many  other  111  thZ    ^^ /^'^^^  n^«*B- ^  ** 
bogs,  and  morifler    L*^  3f  J     -^  .^""^  barreifplainsv 
an!  fifty  foTd^;ees^i'r^    ?•  ^"^'^^«  ^^^^7  two 

(and  can-iboo  deer        "^  ^TT^  "''^  '  ^^"  "^°°&  *- " 
\y  the  fn«  ./   •     ?*^'.  ^^«  deficiency  is  made  ul? 
■  ""   ^  ■   "^^^^\  "'^t  are  to  be  met  with  in 


i-reis 


plenty  around^he  Jake      tC\     u"'  '''*^  '^ 


a^d  lome  maple 


Lake 


<54 


..RVER's  TRAVELS. 


,4 


.  # 


ft 


.r*i 


» 9 


T  ake  Wiftnepeek,  or  as  1@\e  French  write*  it,  Lac 
Ouinipiq^ie,  which  lies  neareft^  to  the  foregoing,  ]fi 
comjTofetl  of  the  ^ame  waters.  It  is  in  length  about 
two  hundred  miles  n  >r»'-  "'^  '  '^uth  ;  its  breadth  has 
never-been  properly  ..ccirtaintd,  but  fuopofcd  to  be 
nboutone  huntfcredjjuiles  in  its  "^i^k^  partwThis  lake 
is  vefry  full  of  ifl^nds  ;  thefe  are,imhvever,of  no  great 
magnitude.  Many  confiderable  "rivers  empty  them- 
felvcs  into  it,  which,  as  yet,  arc  not  diftkguilhed  by 
kny  names.  The  waters  are  llored  witHTifli,  fuch  as 
trout  and  fturgeon,  and  .*llb  with  others  of  a  Imallcr 
kind  peculiar  to  thefe  lakes. 

;»Tfie  land  ""  the  louthweft  part  of  it  is^iery  good, 
•"Specially  about ,  the  entrance  of  A  large  branch  of  the 
River  Boibrbon,  which  flows  from  the  fouthweft.  On 
this  river  there  'S  a  failqrjj  that  was  built  by  the 
Frei;  1^,  calkd  Fort  la  Reihe,  to  which  the  tract. :.  from 
*lVlichilUmackinac  refoftf  ^o  trade,  ■with  the  Afl'mipoils 
*'-'vnd  ^Killiftihaes.     '  o  this  place  the  Mahahs,  wh5  in^ ! 

bftb'u  a  country  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  fouthwelt, 

*  come  aUb  to  trade  with  them  -,  and   bring  grfeat  quaii- 

'  tl|ies   of  Indian   'orn,  to  exchange  for  knives,    >  ma- 

^  *'ba^ks,  and  otV.^r  ;  rticles.     Thefe  people  are  fuppoied 

to  dwtll  On  fome  oi  th  ;  l^gnchcs  of  the  River  oi  the 

jw  the  northeaft  fome  moun- 
tains, and  on  the  eaft  ma^  barren  piflns.     The  maple 
'^l*  or  fug-     ^  ee  grows  here  in  great  plenty,  and  there  is 
--      likewile -fathered  an  m.  azing  quantity  cf  rice,  whih 
^'proves  that  grain  will  tlouiiih  in  thefe  northern  ul- 
!  mates  as  wclf  as  in  w?'  .....     feuftaioes,  carrjHoo,  and 
"moofe  dtvr,  are  r  ■  nerous  in  thefe  parts.     Tie  buft; 
-•^es  of  this  cow     f  c^ifter  fi^  thoft-  that  are  found 
jmore    to  the"  fos    i  o     '  mfmze  ;  the  former  being 
much  imaller  •,  J  ''^  -^  "^^ 
Britain  ( 


Wei 

*  Lakt  Winnepeek  has 


•  i 


cm  parts 


r<^|^c 


Oft 


*  ,       1^  CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ^s 

•  On  ^e  tiraters  that^ll  Jrito  this  lake,  the  neigh- 
boring nations  take  great  numbers  of  excellent  furs. 
Some  of  thefe  th^  carry  to  the  faaories  and  fettle- 

l»  mcnts  belonging  to  the  Hudfon's  Bay  Company,  lltu^  * 
ated  above  '  e  entrance  of  the  Bourbon  River;  but 
this  they  do  with  reluftance,  on  feveral  accounts';  for 
forne  of  the  Affinipoils  and  Killiftinoes,  who  ufually 
tra('  d  with  the  Company's  fervants,  told  me,  that  if 
th  7  could  be  furc  of  a  conftant  fuppiv  of  goods  from 
Michillimaikinac,  they  would  not  tr  any  where  elfe. 
They  fhewed  me  fome  cloth  and  otiier  articles  that 
they  .-.ad  purchafed  at  Hudfon's  Bay,  with  which  they 
were  much  diflatisfied,  linking  they  had  been  grcariy 
impofed  upon  in  the  barter. 

Allo'ving  that  their  accounts  were  true,  J||bu]d  not 
h  Jn  jommg  m  their  opinion.     But  this  dilluisfaaion 
mi£  \t  probably  proceed,  in  a  great  meafure,  from  the 
mtr      ".s  of  the   Canadian   traders :    for   whilft  the 
Frencu  were  in  pofleffion  of  Michillimackinac,  having 
acquired     thorough  knowledge  of  the  trade  of  the 
northv   n.   .ountries,  they  were  employed  on  that  ac** 
couni,  after  th     redu<fHon  of  Canada,  by  the  Englifli 
traders  there,        he  eftablifhmcnt  of  this  trade  witft 
vhich  they  were  tben^felves  quite  unacquainted.    One 
ofthe  methods  they  took  to  withdraw  thefe  Indians 
from  their  attachment  to  the  Hudfon's  Bay  Compan^, 
and  to  engage  their  good  opinion  in  behalf  of  their 
new  employers,  was  oy  depreciating    on  all  occafions,  ' 
the  Lompany^s  goods,  and  magnifying  the  advantam 
that  would  anfe  to  them  from  trafficking  entirely  wTth 
the  Canadkiyiiaders.      L,  this=  they   loo  well  fuc- 
cecded, -md  fi^  thi     doubtlcis,  did  the  diifatisfaaion 
the  Affinipmls  and  fi^J^ftinoes,  exprefled^to  me,  partiv 
proceed.     But  anotherteafon  aimmenfpd  ;<•  •    a».<  -i^^" 
was  the  length  of  their  journey"  to  the  Hudron'<  Bay 
tactoi^s,  which,  they  informed  me,  took  them  up  three 
months,   during  the  fummer  he^ts  to   go    md  reti .-. 
^m.  ^^°"  ^^^^  finalinefs  of  their  Ganoes  the^^ccuid  not 
:'l|  *  carry 


%| 


66 


CARVi^'s  TRAVELS. 


carry  more  than  a  third  of  tMM|paver8  they  killed.  So 
that  it  is  not  to  be  wondeWi  at,  that  thefc  Indians 
ihould  wiflx  to  have  traders  cofte  to  rcfide  among 
them.  It  is  true  that  the  parts  they  iidiabit  are  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  Hudfon's  Bay  territories  \  but  the 
Company  muft  be  under  the  neccflity  of  winking  at 
an  encroachment  of  this  kind,  as  the  Indians  would, 
without  doub*,  proteft  the  traders  when  among  them. 
Befidcs,  the  pafTports  granted  to  the  traders  that  go 
from  MirhiUimackinac  give  them  liberty  to  trade  to 
the  northweft  about  Lake  Superior  j  by  f|^ich  is 
meant  Fort  La  Rjtine,  Lake  Winnepeck,  or  any  other 
pa^ts  of  the  waters  of  the  Boferbon  River,- where  the 
Couriers  de  Bois,  or  Traders,  may  make  it  moll  con- 
venient Wrefide. 

Lac  du  Bois,  as  commonly  termed  by  the  French  in 
their  maps,  or  in  Engliih,  the  Lake  of  the  Wood,  is  fo 
called  from  the  multiplicity  of  wood  growing  on  its 
banks  ;  fuch  as  oaks,  pines,  firs,  f|)ruce,  &c.  This 
Lake  lies  ftill  higher  upon  a  branch  of  the  River  Bour- 
bon, and  nearly  eaft  from  the  fouth  end  of  I/ake  Win- 
nepeek.  It  is  of  great  depth  in  fome  places.  Its 
length  from  eaft  to  weft  about  feventy  miles,  and  its 
grreateft  breadth  about  forty  miles.  It  has  but  few 
i'flands,  and  thefe  of  no  great  magnitude.  The  fifhes, 
fowls,  and  quadrupeds  that  are  found  near  it,  vary  but 
little  from  thofe  of  the  other  two  lakes.  A  few  of  the 
Ktlliltinoe  Indians  fometimes,„ encamp  on  the  borders 
of  it  to  fifh  ana  hunt. 

This  lake  lies  in  the  communication  between  Lake 
Superior,  and^the  takes  Winnepeek^i|id  Bourbon. 
Its  waters  are  not  efteemed  quite  fo  pBre  as  thofe  of 
the  other  la^es,  it  having,  iuihany  places,  a  muddy 
bottom. 

ijac  ia  ir" iuyc,  iu  caiica  ny  mc  rrciicii,  m  iiijg:::.i 
the  Rainy  Lake,  is  fupoofed  to  have  acquir|^  this 
name  from  the  lirft  travellers,  that  pafled  over  it,  meet- 
ine   with  .an  uncoiirnioii  deal  of  rain  }  or,  as  feme 

^  t^  have 


^CARVER'g  TRAVELai 


«J 


n^l^iK  Iflce  rain,  occalioned  by  a 
r^^iiffiit  empties  itiieif  into  a  river 


\sve  affirmed,  from, 
perpendicular  wateri 
which  lies  to  the  fouthweil. 

This  Lake  appears  to  be  divided  by  an  ifthmus/hear 

he  middle,  into  two  parts  :  the  weft  part  is  called  the 
Great  Rainy  Lake,  the  eaft,  the  little  Rainy  Lake,  as 
being  the  leaft  diviflon.  It  lies  a  few  miles  further  to 
the  eaftward,  on  the  fame  branch  of  the^^irbon,  than 
the  laft  mentioned  Lake.  It  is  in  gencra^ery  {fallow 
in  its  dgpth.  The  broadeft  part  of  it  is  not  more  than 
twentJfelcs ;  its  length,  including  both,  about  three 
hundwTmiles.  In  the  weft  part,  the  water  is  very 
clear  and  good  :  and  fome  excellent  fifli  are  taken  in 
it.  A  great  many  fowls  rcfort  here  in  the  fall  of  the 
year.  Moofe  deer  arc  to  be  found  in  grea^^nty,  and 
likewife  the  carriboo  ;  whofe  Ikin  for  breeches  or 
gloves,  exceeds  by  far,  any  other  to  be  met  with  in 
North  AriMKca.  Ifiie  land  on  the  borders  of  this 
Lake  is  eiflffiied,  in  fome  places,  very  good,  but  rather 
too  thickly  Covered  wit^ood.  Here  refides  a  con- 
fiderable  band  of  the  Chiplways. 

Eaftward  from  this  Lake  lies  feveral  fmall  oiles, 
which  extend  in  »|^ing  to  the  great  carrying  place, 
and  from  tiience  into  Laki  %iperior.  Between  thefe  ^ 
little  Lakes  are  feveral  carrying  places,  w^^ich  render 
the  trade  to  the  northweft  di^uh  to  accomplifh,  and 
exceeding  tedious,  as  it  takes.two  years  to  make  one 
voyage  from  Michillimackinac  to  thefe  pa»ts. 

Red  Lake  is  a  compaiatively  fmall  lake,  at  the  hea<ln 
of  a  branch  of  the  Bourbon  River,  which  is  called  by^' 
fome,  Red  River.    Its  form  is  nearly  rouM,  and  about      -^ 
iixty  miles  in  circuillference.     On  one  fule  of  it  is  a 
tolerable  large  ifland,  dole  by  wh:rh  a  fmall  river  en-*' 
^^^^yS^  ^^^""^  almoft  foutheaft  both  f/om  Lake  Win- 

are  very  little  known  or  frequented,  even  by  the  fav-^ 
ages  themfelves.  ,  '  ^ 

-<m'  ■%■        ^    ■    Not 


# 


^ 


CARVER'S  TRAVELSil, 


If  1^ 


}.J^ 


Not  for  from  this  Lake,  Jftktle  to  the  fouthwell,^ 
h  another,  called  White  flJIPXake,  which  is  nearly 
about  the  fize  of  the  laft  mentioned.  The  waters  that 
cocnpofe  this  Lake  are  Itlie  moft  northern  of  any  that 
fuppfy  the  Miffiiippi,  and  may  be  called  with  propri- 
ety, its  moft  remote  fource.  It  is  fed  by  two  or  three 
faiall  rivers,  or  rather  large  brooks. 

A  few  n^^  from  it,  to  the  foutheaft,  are  a  great 
number  of  liiaU  lakes,  none  of  which  are  more  than 
ten  miles  in  circumference,  that  are  caUed  the^Thou- 
fand  Lakes.  In  the  adjacent  country  is  reclMbd  the 
fineft  hunting  for  furs  of  any  on  this  contiii^  ;  the 
Indians  who  hunt  here,  feldom  returning  without  hav- 
ing their  canoes  loaded  as  deep  as  they  can  fti^m. 

Having  jiift  before  obferved  that  this  Lake  is  the 
Utmoft  northern  fource  of  the  Miflifippi,  I  fhall  here 
further  remark,  *hat  before  this  river  enters  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  it  has  not  run  Icfs,  tlfllugh  a^  its  rocan- 
derings,  than  three  thoufand  miles  j  o^fe  a  ih*aight 
line  from  noith  to  fouth,  Jp»ut  twenty  degrees,  which 
is  nearly  fourteen  hundredn&iglifh  miles. 

Thefe  Indians  informed  me,  that  to  the  northweft: 
of  Lake  Winnepeek  lies  anothet^t  whofe  chxumfcrence 
■vaftly  exceeded  any  they  had  given  me  an  account  of. 
^T^fy  defcribe  it  as  much  larger  than  Lake  Superior. 
But  as  it  appears  to  be^fc  far  to  the  northwefts  I  fhould 
imagine  that  it  was  not  a  lake,  but  rather  the  Archipe- 
lago, or  broken  waters  that  form  the  communication 

ween  Hudfon's  Bay  and  the  northern  parts  of  the 
Pacific  Oce^kf 

There  ar^sm  infinite  number  of  fmall  lakes,  on  the 
moreweftern  parts  of  the  weft^  head  branches  of 
the  Miffifippi  as  well  as  between  thefe  and  lake  Win- 
nepeek, but  nong^of  them  are  large  enough  to  iiygpofe 
ciiiiei  of  liicuPfo  be.  the  lake  or  waters  meant  by  the 
Indians. 

They  likewife  informeci  me,  that  feme  of  the  north- 
ern braraches  of '^he  J^iTorie  and  the  fouthern  branches 

.  *  of 


CARVER'S  TilAVELS. 


^ 


oF  the  St.  Pierre  ha-K|pi  communicatlBn  with  each 
other,  except  for  a  mifi^  over  which  they  iarry  their 
canoes.  And  by  what  I  could  learn  from  them,  thitf 
is  the  road  theji^  take  when  tiieir  vfer  parties  make  thefr 
excuriions  upon  the  Pawnees  and  Pawnawnees  nations, 
inhabiting  fome  branches  of  the  Meflbrie  River.  la^ 
the  country  belonging  to  thefe  peo'jile  it  is  faid,  that 
Mandrakes  are  frequently  found,  a  ipecies  of  root  re- 
^ibling  human  beings  of  both  fe\es^  and  tj^tt  thefe 
J  are  more  perfe^than  fuch  as  are  difcovered  ahoul  the 
Nile  in  Nethepi^hiopia. 

A  little  to  the  northwefl!  of  the  heads  of  jhe  Mef- 
forie  and  I't.  Pierre,  the  Indians  furth^olu  me,  that 
thcr^aiM^ti  nation  rather  fniftllcr  ^nd  wEtcr  than  tl 


neighlfBFing  tribes,  who  cultivate  tbc*rVgf0V»^'^»  ^^ 
(as*»r  ^s  I  could  gather^om  their  fexprcffious)  in 
lome  meafure  the  arts.  'HWthis  account  they  added, 
that  fome  of  the  nations  who  inhabit  thofc  parts  that 
lie  to  the  weft  of  the  Shining  Mountains,  have  gold  fo 
pJUNl^aiT^Gng  them,  thati.they  makeiJiieir  jnioft  com- 
1  on  utcniils  of  it.*  Tliefe  r|ountains  (which  I  fhall  de- 
fcribe  iTior«»p;irticularly  hereafter)  divide  the  waters 
that  iSfc^nto  the  South' Sea  from  thofethat  run  into  the 
...rantili 

I'l-   p^'ople  dwelling  near  them  are  fuppofcd  to  be 
foD'C  vt  tbe  different  tribes  that  werq  ^tributary  iHpj#» 
Mexican  k  aigs,  and  who  fled  from  their  native  coiiii-       ,^ 
try,  to  feek  an  afylum  in  fnefe  parts,  abou^the  time  of  ^'  *• 
the  conqueft  of  Mexico  by  the  Spaniards,  more  thai|^ 
two^pituries  ago.    '  ^ 

iff^ome  confirmation  of  this  fup^fition,  it  is  re* 
marked,  that  they  have  chofen  the  molt  interior  partsf 
for  their  retreat,  being  ftill  prJspdfTefled  witib4|  notion 
that  thc'fea  coafts  have  been  irifefted  ever  fince  with 

.*,  — /l.-j__ n    ' '  * „  ,^   ^  _       »    t_     _<  • .fcJfcL  ■       «       _   •  _  _    • 

lightning  j  from  whofc  bowfils'iffued  men,  who  v/itH 
unfeen  inftruments,  or  by  the  power  of  magift,  killed 
the  harmlefs  Indians  at  an  aftoaifliing  diftai|^.  •  Frowi 

fuch 


0 


« 


4- 
f<^  Chill's  TRAfEl^:       ^*^ 

fiiclx  as  thcfe^thtir  fordfath^  (according  to  a  tradition 
among  th«fe  that  ftill  remains  unimpaired)  fled  %  th& 
retired  abodes  they  now  inhabit.     For  as  they  found 
that  the  floating  monfteirs,  which  h^J  thus  territied 
them  could  not  apprpach  the  land,  anithat  thofe  who 
•   4iad  defcended  from  their  fides  did  not  care  to  make 
eycurfions   to   ^y  confiderable   diftance  from  them, 
thty  formed  a  refolution  to  betake  themfelves  to  fome 
counti^^that  lay  from  the  Tea  coafts  where  only  thg| 
coMld  ht  fecure  from  fuch  diabolical  enemies.     Th^, 
accordingly  fet  out  with  their  familiesjflj^..aftcr  a  long 
pcregrinjition,  fettled  themfelves  near  thefe  mountains, 
where  tli?^  ^-H^ded  they  had  found  a  place  of  perfea 

^rhe  Winnebagpes,  dwelling  pn  the  Fox  Ri^lpfom 
I  have  already  tceated  of)  are   likewife  fuppoftd  It  be 
fome  ftroihng  band  from  ^'Mexican  countries.     But 
they   are   able   to   give   only  ah  imperfeft  account  of 
their  triginal    reiidence.      They    fny    they   formerly 
came  a  great  wgy  from  the  weft  ward,  and  were^^p|pn 
by  wars  to  take  refuge  among  the  Naudoweffies,  buf 
as  they  are  entirely  ignorant  of  the  arts,  or^the  value 
of  gold,   It  IS  rather  to  be  fuppofed,  that  tto^were 
driven  from  their   ancient   fttdemen^s  by   ttSf^ve- 

'^!2ILT^'^   emigrants,  as  they  pafled  on  towards  their 
^•••Fhabitation. 

Thefe  fuppofitions,  howa/er,  may  want  confirma- 
tion i  for  t^e  ilTialler  tribe^of  Indians  are  fubjeft  to 
fuch  various  alterations  in  their  places  of  abode,  from 
the  wars  they  are  continually  engaged  in,  that  i^t^. 
moft  impoflibWto  afcertain,  after  half  a  centuflPlle 
©riginal  Situation  of  any  them. 

T^a#^ge  of  mountains,  of  which  the  Shinlns 
Mountains  are  a  ^t,  begins  at  Mexico*  and  continu- 
ing northward  dgPe  l)ack  or  to  the  eaft  of  CalH.-^,;. 
leparate  the  waters  of  thofe  numerous  rivers  that  fall 
«ith<5r  n^,thc  Gulf  of  Mexico,  or  the  Gulf  of  Gaiifor- 
■**•    «r(^thence  coutiaaing  their  courfe  ftiU  north* 

jprard, 


CARVER'S  T 


...  "t    ■" 


i^ll^tween  ihc  iiJ|L#  the  ltiflifi»i  and  the 
mePWiatrun  mto  the^ouBx  gea,  jdicy  jw^ar  Jo  end 

n  ab^t  forty  feveri  or  forty  eight  degrees  of  north 

latitude  i  where  a  numb«r  8^  rivers  orife,  and  empty 

Ihemfeives  eithej^   into  the  South  Sea,  into  Hadfcm's 

Bay,  or  W^e^atcrs  that  communicate  betweea 

thefetwo»    #  " J# 

Among  tTefe  Joura&s,  thofe  that  lie  to  the  wei^ 
of  the  River  St.  Pierre,  are  called  the  Shining  Moun- 
tarns,  from  an  infinite  number  of  chryftal  ftones,  of  an 
amzing  fize,  with  which  they  are  covered,  and  which. 
w«H  the  fun  fhines  full  upon  them,  fparirie  fo  as  to  he 
lecn  at  a  very  great  diftance. 

This  extraordin^  ,#ige  of  mountains  is  calculated 
to  be  more  thaH  tlm;e  dioufand  miles  in  length,  with- 
out any  very  confiderable  infervals,  whic'i  I  believe 

.frs  of  the  globe.  Probably  in  futurT^g^hey  may 
be  found  to  contain  more  riches  in  their  bJiels^han 
hole  of  Indoftaii  .nd  Malabar,  or  that  are  prodtic^  on 
he  golden  so^of  Guinea  ;  nor  will  I  except  even 
the  Fernvjan  mflls.  To  the  weft  of  thefe  mottfitains, 
wli^i  ex|^ored  by  future  Columbufes  or  RaleigftI,  ma^ 

befouncFotherlake^ri^ils,  and  countj-ies,  full  fra^^^^ 
;  with  all  the    nec<ifenes    or    luxuries    of  life  •    •     " 
where  future  generations  may  find  ^'a«lfcn,  whet 
driven  from  their  country  by  the  ravages  of  lawW 

Ir.T'-^'l  ^^   'f ^'f'   perfecutions,   or  reluftantly 
leavmg  ,t  to  remedy  the  mconveniences  arifing  from  a 
Superabundant  increafe  of  inhabitants  ;  whether.  I  fav 
irnpelled  by  thefe,  or  allumi  by  hopes  of  commercial 
advantage.,  there  r.  little  doubrbut^hei-  expe^^ 

ipoils  md  KilMftlndte. 


w   iciurn    ttj 


Allini 
Grand 
I^!'"',^.*^^^"^'::K«jng  accoimt  oTthe  lakes  that' lie'to 


whom  I  left  at   th 


tage,    i  id  from  whom  I 


'^^•©fthweft  of  this  pl»c€. 


« 


The 


GA 


ARirER* 


\'s  TRAVELS. 


'    The  traders  "^e  exp€d^Jf  being  later  this jjiafon 
than  jiii'u^»*an(*  tur  lumbers   very  confidera^-for 
there  vterc  more  than  three  hundred  of  us,  th^ocki^l 
of  provifions  we    had  -ilfrought  with  us  was  'nearly 
exhaulted,  and  we  waited  with  imf>atience  for  thei? 

amval.  "^     ▼     -jg^.  J 

One  day,  whilft  we  were^  exftefl!|pbur  wiflies 
for  this'defirable  event,  and  looking  nrom  an  eminence 
in  hopes  of  feeing  them  come  over  the  lake,  the  chief 
prieit  belonging  to  the  band  of  KiUiftinoes,  told  us, 
that  he  would  endeavor  to  obtain  a  conference  w^ 
the  Great  Spirit,  and  know  from  him  when  the  tWB- 
ers  would  arrive.  I  paid  little  attention  to  this  decla* 
ration,  fuppoling  that  it  would*e  ^oduftive  of  ^ne 
juggling  trick,  juft  fuffkiently  cowr'ed  to  deceive  tiie 
ignorant  Indians.  But  Hie  king  of  that  tribe  telling^ 
meithat  this|*as  chiefly  undertaken  by  the  prieft,  to 
alleviate  ^f  anxiety,  and  at  the  fame  tir-e  to  co(irvin# 
me  iftw  Such  intereft  he  had  with  the  Great  Spirit,  1 
thought  it  neceffary  to  reftrain  my  anhnadverfions' on 

his  defign.  ^  Mk 

Thdfollowing  evening  was  fixed  u^n  for  this  fpi^t- 
ual  conference.  When  every  thing  had  beer^roperly 
prepared,  the  king  came  to  9e  and  led  me  tb  a  capa- 
cious tent,  the  tovering  of  which^as  drawn  up,  io 
^^  as  to  rende iWhat  was  tranfafting  within,  vifihle  to 
^  thofe  who  ftood  without.  We  found  the  tent  fur- 
rounded  by  a  great  number  of  the  Indians,  but  we 
readily  gained  adniiflion,  and  feated  ourfelvcs  on  fkins 
laid  on  the  groun.i  for  that  purpofe. 

In  the  centre  1  obferved  that  there  was  a  place  of  an 
obkxBig  fliape,  which  was  compofed  of  ftakes  fturk  in 
tM  ground,  with  intervals  between,  ib  as  to  form  a 
kind  of  cheft  or  coffin,  large  enough  to  contain  the 
boiy  of  a  man.  Tiiete  were  oi  a  miudic  ii*-,  rr.a 
placed  at  fuch  a  diftancc  from  each  other,  that  what- 
ever lay  within  them  was  rcj^ltly  to  be  difcerned.  fhe 
tent  was;  perfe(illy  illumuated  by  a  great  nwi^Dct 
.  m       of 


# 


ndians,  but  we 
lelvcs  on  ilcins 


lUUlC   111 


IK 


CARVER'S  T 


■LlOa 


73 


o^^^^^s  made  of  fplinters  cut  from  the  pine  or  birch 
tr«ipwhich  the  Indians  h^kl  in  tlieir  handl. 

In  a  few  minutes  the  prieft  entered  ;  when  an  amaz- 
ing large  elk'o  Ikin  being  fpread  on  the  ground,  juft 
at  my.  feet,  he  laid  himfelf  down  upon  it,  after  having 
ftript  himfelf  of  every  garment  except  that  whicli  he 
wore  clofe  -about  his  n)iddle.  Being  now  proftrate 
on  his  back,  he  firft  laid  hold  of  one  fide  of  the 
fkin,  and  folded  it  over  him,  and  then  the  other  ; 
leaving  only  his  head  uncovered.  This  was  no  fooner 
done,  than  two  of  the  young  men  who  flood  by,  took 
about  forty  yards  of  ftrong  cord,  made  alfo  of  an  e^s 
hide,  and  rolled  it  tight  round  his  body,  fo  that  he 
was  completely  fwathed  within  the  Ikin.  Beinjr  thus 
bound  up  like  an  Egyptian  Mummy,  one  took  hun  by 
the  heels,  and  the  other  by  the  head,  and  lifted  him 
over  the  pales  into  the  eiiclofure.  I  could  alfo  now 
difcern  him  as  plain  as  I  had  hitherto  done,  and  Jttook 
care  not  to  turn  my  eyes  a  moment  from  the  objeft 
before  me,  that  I  might  the  more  readily  deteft  the 
artifice  ;  for  fuch  I  doubted  not  but  that  it  would  turn 
out  to  be. 

The  priefl  had  not  lain  in  this  fituation  more  than  a 
few  feconds,  when  he  began  to  mutter.  This  he  con- 
tmued  to  do  for  fome  time,  and  then  by  degrees  cr^w 
louder  and  louder,  till  at  length  he  fpoke  articulately  . 
however,  what  he  uttered  was  in  fuch  a  mixed  jargoa 
of  the  Ch.peway,  Ottawaw,  and  KiUiftinoe  languages, 
that  I  could  not  underfland  but  very  little  of  it. 
Havmg  continued  in  this  tone  for  a  confiderable  while, 
he  at  laft  exerted  his  voice  to  its  utmofl  pitch,  fome- 
times  raving,  and  fometimes  praying,  till  he  had  work- 
ed lumfelf  into  fuch  an  agitation,  that  he  foamed  at 
nis  mouth. 


After  havino"  r^^mairj^d 

nour  in  the  place,  and  continued  his  vociferation  with 

unabated  vigor,  he  feemcdto  be  quite  exhaufted,  and 

remained  fpeechlefs.    But  ia  an  jnftant  he  Iprung 

^  upon 


74 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


upon  his  feet,  notwithftanding  at  the  time  he  was  put 
in,  it  appeared  impofliblc  for  him  to  move  either  his 
legs  or  arms,  and  Ihaking  off  his  covering,  as  quick  as  if 
the  bands  with  which  it  had  been  bound  were  burned 
afunder,  he  began  to  addrefs  thofc  who  ftood  around, 
in  a  firm  and  audible  voice.  "  My  brorhcrs,"  laid  he, 
''-  the  Great  Spirit  has  deigned  to  hold  a  Talk  with 
his  fervant,  at 'my  earneft  requeft.  He  has  not,  m- 
deed,  told  mi  when  the  perfons  we  cxpea;,  will  be 
here  j  but  to-morrow,  foon  after  the  fun  has  reached 
his  highcft  point  in  the  heavens,  a  canoe  will  arrive, 
and  the  people  in  that  will  inform  us  when  tbc  tra- 
ders will  come." 

Having  faid  this,  ht  ftepped  oi\t  of  the  enclofure, 
and  after  he  had  put  on  his  robes,  (Ulmifled  the  afiem- 
bly.  I  own  I  was  greatly  aftonifhed  at  what  I  had 
feen  ;  but  as  I  obfcrved  that  every  eye  in  tlie  com- 
pany was  fixed  on  me  with  a  view  to  difcover  my 
Sentiments,  I  carefully  concealed  every  emotion. 

The  next  day  the  fun  flione  bright,  and  long  before 
noon  all  the  Indians  were  gathered  together  on  the  em- 
inence that  overlooked  the  lake.  The  old  king  came 
to  me  and  alked  me,  whether  I  had  fo  much  confidence 
in  what  the  prieft  had  foretold,  as  to  join  his  people 
on  the  hill,  and  wait  for  the  completion  of  it  ;  I  told 
him  I  was  at  a  lofs  what  opinion  to  form  of  the  pre.- 
diaion,  but  that  I  would  readily  attend  him.  On  this 
we  walked  together  to  the  place  where  the  others  were 
aflembled.  Ri^erv  eye  was  again  fixed  by  turns  on  me 
and  on  the  lake';  when  juft  as  the  fun  had  reached 
his  zenith,  agreeably  to  what  the  prieft  had  foretold,  a 
panoe  came  round  a  point  of  land  about  a  league  dif- 
tant.  The  Indians  no  fooner  beheld  it,  than  they  let 
up  an  univerfal  fhout,  and  by  their  looks  fcemed  to 

iriuiiiuii  Jii  tnc  iniv-1  Ctt  tucir  jmci!;  iiiu~    x.r  ■.  ^- •!:■••" - 

with  the  Great  Spirit. 

In  fefs  than  an  hour  the  canoe  reached  the  fhorc, 
when  I  attended  the  kifSg  and  chiefs  to  receiyt  thof« 

who 


'  he  was  put 
;  either  his 
IS-  quick  as  if 
vere  burned 
ood  around, 
rs/'  lUid  he, 
a  Talk  with 
has  not,  in- 
eft,  will  be 
has  reached 
will  arrive, 
len  tlifj  tra- 

le  endofure, 
d  the  afiem- 
what  I  had 
n  tlie  com- 
dilcover  my 
tion. 

[  long  before 
r  on  the  em- 
id  king  came 
h  confidence 
in  his  people 
of  it  ;  I  told 
of  the  pre- 
m.     On  this 
others  were 
turns  on  me 
had  reached 
id  foretold,  a 
I  league  dif- 
han  they  fet 
ks  fcemcd  to 

1  the  fhorc, 
rccciye  thofe 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


75 


vrho  were  on  board.  As  foon  as  the  men  were  landed, 
we  walked  all  together  to  the  king's  tent,  when,  ac- 
cording to  their  invariable  cuftom,  we  began  to  fmoke  ; 
and  this  we  did,  notwithftanding  our  impatience  to 
know  the  tidings  they  brought,  without  aiking  any 
queftions  ;  for  the  Indians  are  the  moft  deliberate 
people  in  the  world.  However,  after  fome  triv- 
ial converfation,  the  king  inquired  of  them,  whether 
they  had  feen  any  thing  of  the  traders  ?  The  men 
replied,  that  they  had  parted  from  them  a  few  days 
before,  and  that  they  propofed  being  here  the  fecond 
day  from  the  prefoit.  They  accordingly  arrived  at 
that  time  greatly  to  our  fatisfaftion,  but  more  par- 
ticularly {o  to  that  of  the  Indians,-  who  found  hx  this 
event  the  importance  both  of  their  prieft  and  of  'their 
natif  n,  greatly  augmented  in  the  fight  of  a  ftrangcr. 

This  fl:ory  I  acknowledge  appears  to  carry  with  ft 
marks  of  great  credulity  in  the  relater.  But  no  one 
is  lefs  tlnftured  with  that  wcaknefs  than  myfeif. 
The  circumftances  of  it,  I  own,  are  of  a  very  extra- 
ordinary nature  5  however,  as  I  can  vouch  for  their 
bei;ig  free  from  citiier  exaggeration  or  mifreprefenta- 
tion,  being  myfelf  a  cool  and  difpaffionate  obferver  qf 
them  all,  I  thought  it  neceflary  to  give  them;  t^  the 
public.  And  this  I  do  without  wiflii  ig  to  rniflead 
the  judgment  of  my  readers,  or  t^  nnake  any  fapw- 
ftitious  impreffions  on  their  mindjt,  but  leaving  thetti 
to  draw  from  it  what  conclufions  thev  pteafe. 

I  have  aheady  obfervcd  that  the  Aifinipoils,  with  a 
pa-.-t  of  whom  I  met  here,  are  a  revolted  band  of  the 
Na-adowpflks ;  who  on  account  of  Ibme  real  oT' imag- 
ined grievances,  for  the  Indians  in  general  are  vei-y 
tenacious  of  their  liberty,  had  Separated  themfelves 
from  their   fnrnltPVwtfn-  and   ibusriit   fo?   ffiSyk^rti    at' 

the  expenfe  of  their  :.-/e.  For  tl:^  country  they^noiir 
inhabit  about  the  border*  of  I^ke  Wtiuwpeek,  belii^ 
much  further  north,  is  not  neai'  fo  fertile  or  agrecaWc 


76 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


as  that  they  have  relinquifhcd.  They  ftill  retain  the 
language  and  manners  of  their  former  aflbciates. 

The  Killiftinoes,  now  the  neighbors  and  aUies  of 
the  Affinipoils,  for  they  alfo  dwell  near  the  fame  lake, 
and  on  the  waters  of  the  River  Bourbon,  appear  to 
have  been  originally  a  tribe  of  the  Chipeways,  as  they 
fpeak  their  language,  though  in  a  ditferent  dialect. 
Their  nation  confifts  of  about  three  or  four  hundred 
warriors,  and  thv^y  feem  to  be  a  hardy,  brave  people. 
I  have  alreatly  given  an  account  of  their  country  when 
I  treated  of  Lake  Winnepeek.  As  they  refide  within 
the  limits  of  Hudfon's  Bay,  they  generally  trade  at 
the  factories  which  belong  to  that  company,  but,  for 
the  reafons  mentioned  before,  they  frequently  come 
to  the  place  where  I  happened  to  join  them,  in  order 
to  meet  the  traders  from  MichiUimackinac. 

The  anxiety  I  had  felt  on  account  of  the  traders' 
delay,  was  not  much  alleviated  by  their  arrival.  I 
again  found  my  expeftations  difappointed,  for  1  was 
not  able  to  procure  the  goods  I  wanted  from  any  of 
them.  I  \vm  therefore  obliged  to  give  over  my  de- 
Hgns,  and  return  to  the  place  from  whence  I  firft  be- 
gan my  extenfiv<i  circuit.  I  accordingly  took  leave 
C»f  the  old  king  of  the  Killiftinoes,  with  the  chiefs  of 
both  bands,  and  departed.  This  prince  was  upwards 
of  fixty  years  of  age,  tall  and  llightly  made,  but  he 
qarried  himfelf  wry'  ere£l.  He  was  of  a  courteous, 
affable  difpofition,  and  treated  me,  as  did  all  the  chiefs, 
with  gre»t  civility. 

,  1  obferved  that  this  people  ftill  continued  a  cuftom, 
.th?t  appeared  to  have  been  urtiverfal  before  any  of 
them  became  acquainted  with  the  manners  of  the 
Europeans,  that  of  complintenting  ftrangers  with  the 
company  of  their  wiv<^s  ;  and  thisr  is  not  only  pm^hfed 
by  the  lower  r^ks,  but  by  the  chiefs  tfccmlelves,  who 
efteem  it 


a  ftrangcr. 


grea\eft  pt^of  of  courtefy  they  can  give 

The 


CABf£R>  TRAVEL3) 


fT 


The  beginning  of  Oftobcr,  after  having  coa^^ 
round  the  north  and  eaft  borders  of  X4ake  Superior, il 
jrrived  at  Cadot's  fort,  which  adjoins  to  tiie  iFalls  ©f 
St.  Marie,  and  is  fituated  near  the  fouthweft  xorner 
of  it.  -       .      : 

Lake  Superior,  formerly  termed  the  Upper  Lake, 
fsom  it3  northern  fituation,  is  fo  called  on  account  ;of 
its  being  fuperior  in  magnitutle  to  jiny  of  the  lake?'  o«i 
that  vaft  continent.  It  might  jiuftly  be  termed '  the 
Cafpian  of  America,  and  is  foppofed  to  be  the  l»rg«ft 
body  of  frefh  water  on  the  globe.  Its  circomfererice, 
according  to  the  French  charts,  is  about  fifteen  hun- 
dred miles ;  but  I  believe,  that  if  it  was  collided  rO;tt<id, 
and  the  utmoft  extent  of  every  biiy  taken,^  ijt ,  would 
exceed  fixteen  hundred.  ,        1..- 

Aftcr  I  firll  entered  it;  from  Goddard's  River  <m 
the  weft  Ray,  I  coafted  near  twelve  hundred  miles  df 
I  he  north  and  eaft  ihores  of  it,  and  obf  ervpd-ihat  the 
grcatcft  pai't  of  that  exienfive  tra£t  was  bounded  by 
rocks  and  uneven  ground.;  The  water  in  geiutrti  ap- 
peared to  lie  on  a;  bed  of  rocks.  WJienk  wajiicalnj, 
and  the  fun  flione  briglitj  I  could !  fit  ,ih  my  fcatoo«, 
where  the  depth  was  upwahls  t)f  fix  fath«ms,  and 
plainly  fee  huge  piles  of  ftone  at  the  bot(tom,  .of  i  differ- 
ent fhapes,  fome  of  which-  appeared  as  if  they  were 
hewn.  The  water  at  this  time  was  as{  pure  and  tranil. 
parent  as  air  ;  and  my  canoe  fcemed  asiif  it;hniig  fuf- 
pended  in  that  element.  It  was  impolEble-  to  leolp  ali- 
tentively  through  this  limpid  .medium  at  ikfi  a-odts 
below,  without  finding,  before  mar^  mlrajure^i .  «*enc 
elapled,  your  head  fwim,  and  yot;ir  eyesfino  lon^r 
able  to  behold  the  dazzling  fcerie.    .  v.  ■  It 

i  uiicovered  siiib  by  acx:identl  another  cxtraoriiiflui'y 
property  in  the  waters  of  this  lake.  Though  it  vfJM: 
in  the  month  of  July  that  I  paiSid  xjver.it;  atod  the  fuf- 
face  of  th«  water,  from  the  heai  ;of  the^IfnperambieAt 
air,  impregnafced  with  no  fmall  degree  of  sirarmtb;,  -ybt 
on  letting  down  a  cup  to  the  deptil^olil;|^-.i!t9<js  ""-^hom, 
G2  ■  the 


78 


CARVER'S  TRA^S. 


the  water  drawn  from  thence  was  fo  exceffively  cold, 
that  It  hiul  tlie  htiie  effete  when  received  into  the 
znouth  as  ice.      -  - ' 

The  Tituation  of  this  lake  is  varioufly  laid  down  ; 
but  from  the  moft  exaft  obfervations  I  could  make, 
Jt  lies  betvreen  forty  fix  and  fifty  degrees  of  north  lati- 
tude, and  between  eighty  four  and  ninety  three  de- 
grees of  weift  longitude,  from  the  meridian  of  London. 
There  are  many  iflands  in  this  lake,  two  of  which 
are  very  large  ;  and  if  the  land  of  them  is  proper  for 
cultivation,  there  appears  to  be  fufficient  to  form  on 
each  a  coniiderabie  province  ;  efpecially  on  Ifle  Royal, 
which  cannot  be  lefs  than  a  hundred  miles  long,  and 
jn  many  place*  forty  broad.     But  there  is  no  way  at 
prefent  of  afcertaining  the  exaft  length  or  breadth 
* '   -ithei-.     Even  the  French,  who  always  kept  a  fmall 
ho<  ner  on  thisi  lake,  whilft  t!iey  were  in  poflcilion 
;    nada,  by  which  they  could  have  made  this  dif- 
£0'  c.y,jha</e  only  acquired  a  flight  knowledge  of  the 
^fcj'ftial  parts  of  thcfe  iflanda  ;  at  leaft  they  have  never 
pabli/hed  any  account  of  the  internal  parts  of  them, 
that  I  could  getf  intelligenca  of.. 
■  Nor  was  I  -ablei.to  ..difco,ver  from  any  of  the  con- 
verfations  which' I  held,  with  the  neighboring  Indians, 
that   th«iy  had  ever  m^de  any  fettlements  on  them, 
or  even  landed  there"  in   their  hantmg  excurfions. 
From  wSiAt   I  could  gather  by  their  difcourfe,  they 
fuppoft  them  to  hive  bcjsn,  from  their  firft  formation, 
the  refidence  of- th®  Great  Spirit  ;  and  relate  many 
ridiculous  (lories  of;  enchantment  and  magical  tricks 
that  had  been  experienced  by  fuch  as  were  obliged, 
through  ftrefs  of  weather^  to  take  ihclter  on  them. 

One  nf  thf  China-ar'iiT,  ^W,af„  4■^^.^    — »-       ..I ^     /• -f 

^ 1 ;•-— "»-.-^>T    -.^--ivi    iiiv,     HlJi     liJlilV    UX 

their  people  being  once  driven  on  the  ifland  of  Maure- 
pa$,  which  lies  towards  the  northeaft  part  of  the  lake, 
found  on  itJarge  quantities  of  a  heavy,  fliining,  yellow 
land,  that  from  their  defcription' muft  have  been  gold 
daft.; .  .^Being  ftruck  with  the  beautiful  appearance  of 

it. 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


n 


It,  m  the  morning,  when  they  re-entered  their  canoe, 
they  attempted  to  bring  fome  away  }  but  a  fplrit  of  an 
amazing  fize,  according  to  their  account,  fixty  feet  ia 
height,  ftrode  m  the  water  after  them,  and  command- 
ed them  to  ddiver  back  what  they  had  tiken  aw 
ierrified  at  his  gigantic  ftature,  and  feeing  that  „ 
had  nearly  overtaken  them,  they  were  glad  to  reftore 
their  Ihmmg  treafure  ;  on  which  they  were  fufFered  to 
depart  without  further  moleftation.  Since  this  inci- 
dent,  no  Indian  that  has  ever  heard  of  it,  will  veiUure 
near  the  fame  haunted  coaft.  Befides  this,  they  re- 
counted to  me  many  other  ftories  of  thefe  iflands, 
equally  fabulous. 

The  country  on  the  north  and  eaft  parts  of  Lake 
bupenor  is  very  mountainous  and  barren.  The 
weather  being  intenfcfy  cold  in  the  winter,  and  the  fun 
having  but  little  power  in  thefummer,  vegetation  there 
IS  very  flow  ;  and  confequently  but  little  fruit  is  to  be 
tound  on  its  fliore.  It  however  produces  fome  few  fpe- 
cies  m  great  abundance.  Whortleberries  of  an  un- 
common fize  and  fine  flavor,  grow  on  the  mountains 
near  the  lake  m  amazing  quantities  ;  as  do  black  cur- 
rants and  goofeberries  in  the  fame  luxuriant  manner. 

liut  the  fruit  which  exceeds  all  the  others,  is  a  ber- 
ry rcfembhng  a  rafpberry  in  its  manner  of  growth,  but 
ot  a  lighter  red,  and  much  larger  ;  its  tafte  is  far  more 
delicious  tlian  the  fruit  I  have  compared  it  to,  notwith^ 
landing  that  it  is  fo  highly  cfteemed  in  Europe  : 
It  grows  on  a  fhrub  of -he  nature  of  a  vine,  with  leaves 
IJinilar  to  thofe  of  tne  grape  ;  and  I  am  perfuaded 
that  was  It  tranfpianted  into  a  warmer  and  more  kind- 
ly clunate,  It  would  prove  a  moft  rare  and  delicious 

ixuit. 

Two  very  large  rivers  empty  themfelves  into  this  lake, 
on  the  north  and  northeaft  fide  ;  one  is  called  the  Nipe- 
gon  Kiver,  or,  as  the  French  pronounce  it,  Allanii>egon, 
which  leads  to  a  band  of  the  Chipeways,  inhabiting 
a  lake  oi  the  fame  name,  and  the  other  is  termed  the 

JMichipicootoB 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


10    !f 


I.I 


1.25 


~  IIIIIM 


||M 

2.2 


Sf    li°    |||||20 


111= 

lA.  Ill  1.6 


Photograpnic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


^ 


So 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Michiplcootoii  River,  the  fource  of  which  is  fituated 
towards  Jame's  Bay,  from  whence  there  is  but  a  Ihort 
carriage  to  another  river,  which  empties  itfelf  into  that 
bay,  at  a  fort  belonging  to  the  company.  It  was  by 
this  paifage  that  a  party  of  French  from  Michillimack- 
inac,  invaded  the  fettlcments  of  that  fociety  in  the 
reign  of  Queen  Anne.  Having  taken  and  deflroyed 
their  forts,  they  brought  the  cannon  which  they  found 
in  them  to  the  fortrefs  from  whence  they  had  iflued ; 
thefe  were  fmall  brafs  pieces,  and  remain  there  to  the 
prefent  time  }  having,  through  the  iifual  revolutions 
of  fortune,  returned  to  the  poiTeffion  of  their  former 
mafters. 

Not  far  from  the  Nipegon  is  a  fmall  river,  that  juft 
before  it  enters  the  lake,  has  a  perpendicular  fall  from 
the  top  of  a  mountain,  of  more  than  fix  hur  dred  feet. 
Being  very  narrow,  it  appears  at  a  diftance  like  a 
white  garter  fufperded  in  the  air. 

A  few  Indians  inhabit  round  the  eaftem  border?  of 
this  lake,  fuppofed  to  be  the  remains  of  the  Algon- 
kins,  who  formerly  pofleffcd  this  country,  but  who 
have  been  nearly  extirpated  by  the  Iroquois  of  Can»* 
da.  Lake  Superior  has  near  forty  rivers  that  fall  in- 
to it,  fome  of  which  are  of  confiderable  fize.  On 
the  fouth  fide  of  it  is  a  remarkable  point  or  cape,  of 
about  fixty  miles  in  lengthy  called  Point  Cliegomegan. 
It  might  as  properly  be  termed  a  peninfula,  as  it  is  near- 
iy  feparated  from  the  continent,  on  the  eaft  fide,  by  a 
narrow  bay  that  extends  from  eaft  to  weft.  Canoes 
have  but  a  fhort  portage  acrofs  the  ifthmus,  whereas  if 
they  coaft  it  round,  the  voyage  is  more  than  a  hun» 
dred  miles. 

About  that  diftancR  tn  ths  vstp.^  af  thft  '•Tsfr  juft  dss 
feribed,  a  confiderable  river  falls  into  th^  lake,  the 
head  of  which  is  compofed  of  a  great  aflemblage  of 
fimall  ftreams.  This  river  i;,  remarkable  for  tho  abun- 
dance of  virgin  copper  that  is  found  on  and  near  its 
banks.  A  metal  which  is  met  with  alfo  in  feveral 
Other  place*  on  this  coaft.    I  obferved  that  many  of 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


8r 


the  fmall  iflands,  particularly  thofe  on  the  eaftern 
fliores,  were  covered  with  copper  ore.  They  appear- 
ed like  beds  of  copperas,  of  which  many  tons  lay  in  a 
fmall  fpace. 

A  company  of  adventurers  from  England  began, 
foon  after  the  conqutft  of  Canada,  to  bring  away  fome 
of  this  metal,  bui  the  diftrafted  fituation  of  affairs  in 
America  has  obliged  them  to  relinquilh  their  fcheme. 
It  might  in  future  times  be  made  a  very  advantageous 
trade,  as  the  metal,  which  cofts  nothing  on  the  fpot» 
and  requires  but  little  expenfe  to  get  it  on  board, 
could  be  conveyed  in  boats  or  canoes  through  the  Falls 
of  St.  Marie,  to  the  Ifle  of  St.  Jofeph,  whidi  lies,  at 
the  bottom  of  the  Straits  near  the  entrance  mto  Lake 
Huron  j  from  thence  it  might  be  put  on  board,  larger 
vefTels,  and  in  them  tranfported  acrofs  that  lake  to  the 
Falls  of  Niagara  ;  there  being  carried  by  land  acrofs 
the  Portage,  it  might  be  conveyed  without  much  more 
obftruftion  to  Quebec.  The  cheapnefs  and  cafe  with 
which  any  quaiitity  of  it  may  be  procured,  will  make 
up  for  the  length  of  way  that  is  neceflary  to  tranfport 
it  before  it  reaches  the  fea  coaft,  and  enable  the  pro- 
prictorsto  fend  it  to  foreign  markets  on  as  good  terms 
as  it  can.  be  exported  from  other  countries. 

Lake  Superior  abounds  with  a  variety  of  filh,  the 
principal  and  beft  are  the  trout  and  fturgeon,  which 
maybe  caught  at  almcft  any  feafon  in  the  greateft 
abundance.  The  trouts  in  general  weigh  about 
twelve  pounds,  but  fome  arc  caught  that  exceed  fifty. 
Befides  thefe,  a  fpecies  of  white  fifh  is  taken  in"  great 
qsantities  here,  that,  refemble  a  ihad  in  their  fliape, 
but  they  are  rather  thicker,  and  lefs  bony  ;  they 
weigh  abeut  four  pounds  each,  and  arc  of  a  delicious 
tafte.  The  beft  way  of  catching  thefe  fifh  is  with  a 
isci  f  utii  zxmC  irout  itti^ul  Dc  Lukcn  at  aii  times  witii 
the  hook.  There  arc  likewife  many  forts  of  Analler 
fifii  in  great  plenty  here,  and  which  may  be  taken 
with  eafe  j  among  thefe  is  a  fort  refembling  a  herring, 

that 


82 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


that  are  generally  made  ufe  of  as  a  bait  for  the  trout. 

Very  fmall  crabs,  not  larger  than  a  half  a  crown  piece 

are  found  both  in  this  and  Lake  Michigan.  ,  ' 

This  Lake  is  as  much  afFeiired  by  ftorms  as  the  At- 

lantic  ocean  i  the  waves  run  as  high,  and  are  equally 

as  dangerous  to  fhips.     It  discharges  its  waters  from 

the  foutheaft  corner,  through  the  Straits  of  St.  Marie 

At  the  upper  end  of  thefe  Sraits  flands  a  fort  that 

receives  its  name  from  them,  commanded  by  Mon- 

fieur  Cadot,  a  French  Canadian,  who  being  proprie- 

tor  of  the  foil,   is  ftill  permitted  to  keep  pofTeffion  of 

It.   Near  this  ibrt  is  a  very  ftrong  rapid,  againft  which) 

though  It  13  impoffible  for  canoes  to  afcend,  yet  when 

condufted  by  careful  pilots,  they  might  pafs  down  with- 

out  danger. 

Though  Lake  Superior,  as  T  have  before  obferved, 
ir  fupphed  by  near  forty  rivers,  many  of  which  are 
confiderablc  ones  j  yet  it  does  not  appear  that  one 
tenth  part  of  the  waters  which  are  conveyed  into  it  by 
thefe  rivers,  are  carried  off  at  this  evacuation.     How 
luch  a  fuperabundance  of  waters  can  be  difpofed  of, 
as  It  muft  certainly  be  by  fome  means  or         -,  with- 
©ut  which  the  circumference  of  the  lake  v       ^  be  con- 
tinually enlarging,  I  know  not  :  that  it  does  not  einp. 
ty  itfelf,  as  the  Mediterranean  fea  is  fuppofed  to  do, 
by  an  under  current,   which  perpetually   counterafts 
ttiat  near  the  fur  face,  is  certain  j  for  the  ftream  which 
kills  over  the  rock  i&  not  more  than  five  or  fix  feet  in 
depth,   and  the  whole  of  it  paflls  on  through  the 
btraits  mto  the  adjacent  lake  j  nor  is  it  probable  that 
10  great  a  quantity  can  be  abforbed  by- exhalations } 
confequently  they  muft  find  a  paflage,  through  fome 
fubterranean  cavaties,  deep,  unfathomable,  and  never 
to  be  explored. 

The  Ti'^iio   rtf  c*.    -\j :_    j^  _-.   1  <.       • 

ularly  as  thofe  of  Niagara  or  St.  Anthony  do,  but 
confift  of  a  rapid  which  continues  nearly  three  quarters 
Oi  a  mile,  over  which  canoes  weU  piloted  might  pafs. 

At 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


83 


At  the  bottom  of  thefe  Falls,  Nature  has  formed  a 
moll:  commodious  ftation  for  catching  the  fifh  which 
are  to  be  found  there  in  immenfe  quantities.  Perfons 
ftandmg  on  the  rocks  that  lie  adjacent  to  it,  may  take 
v'lth  dippmg  nets,  about  the  months  of  September 
and  paobcr,  the  white  Mi  beforcmentioned  ;  at 
thatfeafon,  together  with  feveral  other  fpecies,  thev 
crowd  up  to  thisfpot  in  fuch  amazing  Ihoals,  that 
enough  may  be  taken  to  fupply,  when  properly  cured, 
thoulands  of  mhabitants  throughout  the  year 

The  Straits  of  St.  Marie  are  about  forty  miles  lon^. 
bearing  foutheaft,  but  varying  much  in  their  breadth 
1  he  current  between  the  Falls  arid  Lake  Huron  is 
not  io  rapid  as  might  be  cxpcrted,  nor  do  they  pre- 
vent the  navigation  of  fhips  of  burden  as  far  up  as  the 
llland  of  St.  Joleph. 

It  has  been  obferved  by  travellers  that  the  entrance 
into  Lake  Superior,  from  thefe  Straits,  affords  one 
ot  thfc  moft  pleafing  profpcc^  in  the  world.  The 
place  m  which  this  might  be  viewe '  to  the  greatcft 
advantage,  13  juft  at  the  opening  of  the  lake,  from 
whence  may  be  fecn  on  the  left,  many  beautiful  little 
Jilands  that  extend  a  confiderable  way  before  you  ; 
and  on  the  right,  an  agreeable  fucceffion  of  fmall  points 
ot  land,  that  project  a  little  way  into  the  water,  and 
contribute,  with  the  iflands,  to  render  this  delightfol 
bafon  (as  It  might  be  termed)  calm  and  fecure  from 
the  ravages  of  thofe  tempcftnous  winds  by  which  the 
adjoining  lake  is  frequently  troubled. 

I  c.^-^'"^  i^'a^'l*.  '"^°  '''^'''^  3^*^"  "°^  enter  from  the 
I  Mraits  ot  St.  Mane,  is  the  next  in  magnitude  to  Lake 
Superior.  It  lies  between  forty  fwo  and  forty  fax  de- 
grees of  nprth  latitude,  and  fcventy  nine  and  eightv 
five  degrees  of  weft  longitude.  Its  fhape  is  nSu-iy 
triangular,  and  its  circumference  about  one  thmjfand 
luiies. 

On  the  north  fide  of  it  lies  an  ifland  that  is  remark- 
a6ic  tor  bcmg  new  a  hundred  miles  in  length,  and  no 

more 


84 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


I  A 


more  tkan  eight  miles  broad.  This  ifland  is  known  hi 
the  name  of  Manataulin,  which  fignities  a  Place  of 
Spirits,  and  is  conlidered  by  the  Indians  as  facrcd  as 
thpfe  already  mentioned  in  Lake  Superior. 

About  the  middle  of  the  fouthweft  fide  of  this  lake, 
is  Saganaum  Bay.  The  capes  that  feparate  this  bay 
from  the  lake,  are  eighteen  miles  diftant  from  each 
other  J  near  the  middle  of  the  intermediate  fpace  ftand 
two  iflands,  which  greatly  tend  to  facilitate  the  paflage 
of  canoes  and  fmall  veflels,  by  affording  them  fhelter, 
as  without  this  fecurity  it  would  not  be  prudent  to 
venture  arcofs  fo  wide  a  fea  ;  and  the  coaitmg  round 
the  bay  would  iwake  the  voyage  long  and  tedious. 
This  bay  is  about  eighty  miles  in  length,  and  in  gen- 
eral about  eighteen  or  twenty  miles  broad. 

Nearly  half  way  between  Saganaum  Bay  and  the 
northweft  corner  of  the  Lake,  lies  another,  which  is 
termed  Thunder  Bay.  Th:  Indians,  who  have  fre- 
quented thefe  parts  from  time  immemorial,  and  every 
European  traveller  that  has  pafled  through  it,  have 
unanimoufly  agreed  to  call  it  by  this  name,  on  account 
of  the  continual  thunder  they  have  always  obferved 
here.  The  bay  is  about  nine  miles  broad,  and  the 
fame  in  length,  and  whilft  I  was  pafling  over  it,  which 
took  me  up  near  twenty  four  hours,  it  thundered  and 
lightened  during  the  greateft  part  of  the  time  to  an 
exceffive  degree. 

There  appeared  to  be  no  vifible  reafon  for  this  that 
I  could  difcover,  nor  is  the  countr)-^  in  general  fubjeft 
to  thunder  j  the  hills  that  flood  around  were  not  of  a 
remarkable  height,  neither  did  the  external  parts  of 
them  feem  to  be  covered  with  any  fiilphurous  fub- 
ftance.  But  as  this  phenomenon  muft  originate  from 
fome  natural  caufe,T  conjedlure.tlxat  the  fhores  of  the 
bar,  or  the  adjacent  mountains,  are  either  impregnated 
Vt'nn  Uii  uncGiiiiiiOii  nuaiiiity  or  iuipuurous  inattci,  or 
contain  fome  metal  or  mineral  apt  to  attract,  in  a  great 
degree,  the  electrical  particles  that  arc  hourly  borne 

*  over 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


e,  on  account 


us  matter,  or 


% 


dyef  them  by  the  pafTant  clouds.  But  the  folution 
of  this,  and  thofc  other  philofophical  remarks  which 
caaia.ly  occur  throughout  thefe  pages,  I  leave  to  the 
diicuflion  of  abler  heads. 

The  flfh  in  Lake  Huron  are  much  the  fame  as  thofe 
in  Lake  Superior.  Some  of  the  land  on  its  banks  is 
very  fertile,  and  proper  for  cultivation,  but  in  other 
parts  It  is  landy  and  barren.  The  promontory  that 
feparate.  this  lake  from  Lake  Michigan,  is  compofed 
ot  a  vaft  plain,  upwards  of  one  hundred  miles  Ion jr, 
but  varying  m  its  breadth,  being  from  ten  to  £fteen 
miles  broaa.  This  traft,  as  I  have  before  obferved, 
js  divided  into  almoft  an  eo.ual  portion  between  the 
Ottawaw  and  Chipeway  Indians.  At  the  northeaft 
corner  this  lake  has  a  communication  with  Lake  Mich- 
Sed^         ^''''''^'  °^  Michillimackinac  already  de- 

I  had  like  ^o  have  omitted  a  very  extraordinary  cir- 
cumftance,  relative  to  thefe  Straits.  According  to 
obf  rvat.on,  made  by  the  French,  whilll  they  were 
ihpofleJlxon  of  the  fort,  although  there  is  no  diurnal 
ilood  or  ebb  to  be  perceived  in  thefe  waters,  yet,  from 
an  exaa  attention  to  their  ft.te,  a  periodical  deration 
hPv     ""/'f  ^''"  t^'^^^^ered.     It  was  obferved  that 

I  ees  'tni  .h^  f  f"'''  u^"f  '^"^°^  imperceptible  de- 
grees til    they  had  reached  the  height  of  about  three 

half.  .nT-  '?u   ^''^^^f^^'^  in  feven   years  and  a 

half    and  in  the  fame  fpace  they  .s  gently  decreafed, 

ni  they  had  reached  their  former  fituation  ;  fo  that 

revofSn.^'"'  '^'^  ^"^  ''"^^'"''^  '^^''^  mexplicable 

t^onsould  not  be  confirmed  by  the  English,  as  theV 

""        '  """"""  "■-■-  '  aiterati 


lanitsofthe  Straits  Vas  a 
ioj^ected  by  the  winds 
H 


apparent.     All  thefe  lakes  are ' 
5  fometimes  to  have  the 
appearance 


S6 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


appearance  of  a  tide,  according  as  they  happen  to  blow  ; 
but  this  is  only  temporary  and  partial. 

A  great  number  of  the  Chipeway  Indians  live  fcat- 
tered  around  this  lake,  particularly  near  Saganaum 
Bay.  On  its  banks  are  found  an  amazing  quantity  of 
the  fand  cherries,  and  in  the  adjacent  country  nearly 
the  fame  fruit,  as  thofe  that  grow  about  the  other 

From  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie  I  leifurely  proceeded 
back  to  Michillimackinac,  and  arrived  there  the  begin- 
ning of  November  1767,  having  been  fourteen  months 
on  this  extenfive  tour,  I  travelled  near  four  thoufand 
miles,  and  vifited  twelve  nations  of  Indians  lying  to 
the  weft  and  north  of  this  place.  The  winter  fettmg 
in  foon  after  my  arrival,  I  was  obliged  to  tarry  there 
till  June  following,  the  navigation  over  Lake  Huron 
for  large  vcffels  not  being  open,  on  account  of  the  ice, 
till  that  time.  Meeting  here  with  fociable  company, 
I  pafTed  thefe  months  very  agreeably,  and  without 
finding  the  hours  tedious. 

One  of  my  chief  amufements  was  that  of  filhmg  for 
trouts.  Though  the  Straits  were  covered  with  ice, 
we  found  means  to  make  holes  through  it,  and  let- 
ting down  ftrong  lines  of 'fifteen  yards  in  length,  to 
which  were  fixed  three  or  four  hooks  baited  with  the 
fmall  fifh  before  defcribed,  we  frequently  caught  two 
at  a  time  of  forty  pounds  weight  each  ;  but  the  com- 
mon fize  is  from  ten  to  twenty  pounds.  Thefe  are 
moft  delicious  food.  The  method  of  preferving  them 
during  the  three  months  the  winter  generally  lafts, 
is  by  hanging  them  up  in  the  air  •,  and  in  one  night 
they  will  be  frozen  fo  hard  that  they  will  keep  as  weU 
as  if  they  were  cured  with  fait. 

I  have  only  pointed  out  in  the  plan  of  my  travels, 
*u«  »:..^„:«-  T  mi/4o  frnm  mv  Ipavinjy  MichilUmackinac 
till  I  arrived  again  at  that  fort.  Thofe  countries  that 
lie  nearer  to  the  colonies  have  been  fo  oftpn  and  fo 
minutely  defcribed,  that  any  further  account  of  them 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


«7 


muld  be  ufelefs.  I  fhall  therefore  only  give  mv  read- 
ers m  the  remainder  of  my  journal,  as  I  at  firft  pro- 
pofed,  a  defcnption  of  the  other  great  lakes  of  Canada, 
many  of  which  I  have  navigated  over,  and  relate  at 
the  iame  tmie  a  few  particular  incidents  that  I  truft 
will  not  be  found  inapplicable  or  unentertaining 

In  June  1768,  I  left  Michillimackinac,  and  returned 
n  the  Gladwyn  /chooner,  a  veflel  of  about  eighty 
tons  burthen    over  Lake  Huron  to  Lake  St.  Chire. 
where  we  (eft  the  Aip  and  proceeded  in  boats  to  De- 
troit.   This  lake  ,s  about  ninety  miles  in  circumfer- 
ence,  and  by  the  way  of  Huron  River,  which  runs 
from  the  fouth  corner  of  Lake  Huron    receives  the 
wa  ers  of  the  three  great  lakes,  Superior,  Michigan! 
and  Huron      Its  form  is  rather  round,  and  in  fome 
places  It  IS  deep  enough  for  the  navigation  of  lame 
vefTels,  but  towards  the  middle  of  it  there  is  a  bar  of 
rand,  which  prevents  thofe  that  arc  loaded  from  pafT- 
ing  over  it.     Such  as  are  in  ballaft  only  may  find 
water  to  carry  them  quite  through  ;  the  cargoes,  how- 
ever, of  fuch  as  are  freighted  muft  be  taken  out,  and 
-fter  being  tranfported  acrofs  the  bar  in  boats    re- 
Inipped  again.  '  - 

The  river  that  runs  from  Lake  St.  Claire  to  Lake 
Ene  (or  rather  the  Strait,  for  thus  it  might  be  termed 
from  us  name)  is  called  Detroit,  which  is  in  French 
the  btrait.     It  runs  nearly  fouth,  has  a  gentle  current* 

xti      u    T^^  .*°'^"  °^  ^"^°^t  >s  fituated  on  the 

it^uat:'  ^''  ''-''^  ^'^"  ""^^  -^-  ^^^- 

Almoft  oppofite  on  the  eaftem  (here,  is  the  vUhm 

SS"of"hT^ ' '  •""=  °""^'""'  '""''^'^-° 

oeen  treated  of  by  fo  many  writers,  that  ndherm^  .^ 

foibif  "f  ^"^  '  ^r'  ^'''^  "^y^^l^  ""^^^  oFonly^de- 
that  hi^.''*?rT'^  people  little  known,  or  incidents 
SvLa  r  ,  ^r  '^-  ""«?'^^d  by  others,  I  fhall  omit 
givmg  a  defcription  of  them.    A  miffionary  of  the 

order 


88 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


order  of  Carthufian  Friars,  by  permiffion  of  the  bifixop 
of  Canada,  rcfides  among  them. 

The  banks  of  the  River  Detroit,  both  above  and 
belo.  hefe  towns,  are  covered  with  fcttlemcnts  tlut 
extend  more  than  twenty  miles  5  the  country  being 
exceedingly  fruitful,  and  proper  for  the  cultivation  of 
wheat,  Indian  corn,  oats,  and  peas.  It  has  alfo  many 
fpots  of  line  parturage  -,  but  as  the  inhabitants,  who 
are  chiefly  French  that  fubmitted  to  the  Englifti  gov- 
ernment, after  the  conqueft  of  thefe  parts  by  General 
Amherft,  are  more  attentive  to  the  Indian  trade  than 
to  farming,  it  is  but  badly  cultivated. 

The  town  of  Detroit  contains  upwards  of  one  bun- 
dred  houfes.  The  ftreets  are  fomewhat  regular,  and 
have  a  range  of  very  convenient  and  handfome  bar- 
racks, with  a  fpacious  parade  at  the  fouth  end.  On 
the  weft  fide  lies  the  king's  garden,  belonging  to  the 
governor,  which  is  very  well  laid  out,  and  kept  in 
good  order.  The  fortifications  of  the  town  confift  of 
a  ftrong  blockade,  made  of  round  piles,  fixed  firmly 
in  the  ground,  and  lined  with  palifades.  Thefe  are 
defended  by  fomc  fmall  baftions,  on  which  are  mount- 
ed a  few  indifferent  cannon  of  an  inconfiderable  fize, 
juft  fufiicient  for  its  defence  againft  tlie  Indians,  or  an 
enemy  not  provided  with  artillery. 

The  garrifon  in  time  of  peace,  confifts  of  two  hun- 
dred men,  commanded  by  a  field  oflicer,  who  a£ls  as 
chief  magiftrate  under  the  governor  of  Canada.  Mr. 
Turnbull,  captain  of  the  doth  regiment  or  Royal 
Americans,  was  commandant  when  I  happened  to  be 
there.  This  gentleman  was  defcrvedly  efteemed  and 
refpefted,  both  by  the  inhabitants  and  traders,  for  the 
propriety  of  his  condu<Sl  ;  and  I  am  happy  to  have  an 
opportunity  of  thus  publicly  making  my  acknowledg- 
ments to  him  for  the  civilities  I  received  from  bin; 
during  my  ftay. 

In  the  year  1762,  in  the  month  of  July,  it  raine. 
on  this   town  and  the  parts  adjacent,  a  fulphurous 

water 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


8p 


water  of  the  color  and  confidence  of  ink  :  feme  of 
which  being  collefted  into  bottles,  and  wrote  with,  ap- 
peared perfeftly  intelligible  on  the  paper,  and  anfwer5 
every  purpofe  of  that  ufeftil  liquid.  Soon  after,  the 
Indian  wars  already  fpoken  of,  broke  out  in  thcfe 
parts.  I  mean  net  to  fay  that  this  incident  was  om- 
inous of  them,  notwithftanding  it  is  well  known  that 
innumerable  well  attefted  inftances  of  extraordinary 
phenomena  happening  before  extraordinary  events, 
have  been  recorded  in  almoft  every  age  by  hiftorians 
of  veracity  ;  I  only  relate  the  circumftance  as  a  faft, 
of  which  I  was  mformed  by  many  perfons  of  undoubt- 
ed probity,  £nd  leave  my  readers,  as  I  have  hitherto 
done,  to  draw  their  own  conclufions  from  it. 

iv/f^??r  ^'^^  ""'^^^  ^^°"^  *^^  P^'**y  t^^^t  furprifed  Fort 
MichiUimackinac,  as  related  in  the  former  part  of  this 
work,aaed,  was  an  enterprifing  chief  or  head  war- 
'■[^''t.  v«^  Miames.  During  the  late  war  between 
the  Enghfh  and  the  French,  he  had  been  a  fteady 
tnend  to  the  latter,  and  continued  his  uiveterac-r  to  the 
former,  even  after  peace  had  been  concluded  between 
thefe  two  nations.  Unwilling  to  put  an  end  to  the 
depredations  he  had  been  fo  long  engaged  in,  he  col- 
leded  an  army  of  confederate  Indians,  confiftinff  of 
the  nations  before  enumerated,  with  "n  intention  to 
renew  the  war.  However,  inftead  t/  .penly  attack- 
ing  the  Enghfli  fettlements,  he  laid  a  icheme  for  tak- 
ing by  furpnfe  thofe  forts  on  the  extremities  which 
they  had  lately  gained  pofleffion  of. 

How  well  the  party  he  detached  to  take  Fort  Mich- 
iUimackinac fucceeded,  the  reader  already  knows.  Ta 
get  into  his  hands  Detroit,  a  place  of  greater .  confe- 
quence,  and  much  better  guarded,  required  greater 
relolution,  and  more  confummate  arc  w^  ^f  ^.^.,.r^ 
took  the  management  of  this  expedition '  on' himfe£ 
and  drew  near  it  with  the  principal  body  of  his  troops! 
fie  was,  however,  prevented  from  carrying  his  defign 
into  execution,  by  an  apparently  trivial  and  unforefeen 
"  *  circumftance. 


90 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


circutnftance.     On  fuch  does  the  fate  of  mighty  Em- 
pires frequentljt  depend  ! 

The  town  of  Detroit,  when  Pontiac  formed  his 
plan,  was  garrifoned  by  about  three  hundred  men 
commanded  by  Major  Gladwyn,  a  gallant  officer.  As 
nt  that  time  every  appearance  of  war  was  at  an  end, 
and  the  Indians  feenied  to  be  on  a  friendly  footing, 
Pontiac  approached  the  Fort,  without  exciting  any 
fufpicions  in  the  breall  of  the  governor  or  the  inhabi- 
tants. He  encamped  at  a  little  diftance  from  it,  and 
fent  to  let  the  commandant  know  that  he  was  come  to 
trade  ;  and  being  deiirous  of  brightening  the  chain 
of  peace  between  the  Englilh  and  his  nation,  defircd 
that  he  and  his  chiefs  might  be  admitted  to  hold  a 
council  with  him.  The  governor  ftill  unfufpicious, 
find  not  in  the  leaft  doubting  the  fmcerity  of  the  In- 
dians, granted  their  general's  requeft,  and  fixed  on 
the  next  morning  for  their  reception. 

The  evening  of  that  day,  an  Indian  woman  who 
had  been  employed  by  Major  Gladwyn,  to  make  him 
a  pair  of  Indian  ihoes,  out  of  curious  elk  fkin,  brought 
them  home.  The  Major  was  fo  pleafed  with  them, 
that  intending  thefe  as  a  prefent  for  a  friend,  he  or- 
dered her  to  take  the  remainder  back,  and  make  it  in- 
to others  for  himfelf.  He  then  diredle^'  lAs  fervant 
to  pay  her  for  thofe  flie  had  done,  and  difmiffed  her, 
The  woman  went  to  the  door  that  led  to  the  ftreet  but 
no  further  j  flie  there  loitered  about  as  if  flje  had  not 
fmiflied  the  bufinefs  on  which  flie  came.  A  fervant 
nt  length  obferved  her,  and  alked  her  why  flie  ftaid 
there  ;  flie  gave  him,  however,  no  anfwer. 

Some  fhort  time  after,  the  governor  himfelf  faw 
her  i  and  inquired  of  his  fervant  what  occafioned  her 
ftav.  Not  being  able  to  get  a  fatisfaftory  anfwer,  he 
ordered  the  woman  to  be  called  in.  When  Ihe  came 
into  his  prefence  he  defircd  to  know  what  was  the 
reafor.  of  her  loitering  about  and  not  haftening  home 
before  the  gates  were  iliut,  that  flie  might  compleet 

in 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


91 


in  due  time  the  work  he  had  given  her  to  do.     She 
told  him,  after  much  hefitation,  that  as  he  had  always 
behaved  with  great  goodnels  towards  her,  flie  was  un- 
willing to  take  away  the  remainder  of  the  Ikin,  be- 
caule  he  put  fo  great  a  value  upon  it  ;  and  yet  had 
not  been  able  to  prevail  uiwn  berfclf  to  tell  him  fo. 
He  then  alked  her,  vhy  (he  was  more  rcluftant  to 
do  fo  now,  than  fhe  had  been  when  flie  made  the 
former  pair.     With  increafed  reluftance  (he  anfwer- 
ed,  that  fhe  never  (liould  be  able  to  bring  them  back. 
J.  "'' '^"'■'"^'^y  '^^^"g  "o^  excited,  he  inlilled  on  her 
difclofing  to  him  the  fecret  that  feemed   to  be  ftrug- 
ghng  in  her  bofom  for  utterance.     At  laft,  on  receiv- 
ing a  promife  that  the  intelligence  fhe  was  about  to 
give  him  fliould  not  turn  to  her  prejudice,  and  that 
if  It  appeared  to  be  beneficial,  ihe  fhould  be  rewarded 
for  it,  Ihe  informed  him,  that  at  the  council  to  be  held 
with  the  Indians  the  following  day,  Pontiac  and  his 
chiefs  intended   to  murder  him  ;  and,  after   having 
maflacred  the  garnfon   and   inhabitants,   to   plunder 
the  town.     That  for  this  purpofe  all  the  chiefs  who 
vvere  to  be  admitted  into  the  council  room,  had  cut 
their  guns  ihort,  fo  that  they  could  conceal  them  un- 
der their  blankets  ;  with  which,  at  a  fignal  given  by 
their  general,  on  delivering  the  belt,  they  were  all  to 
nle  up,  and  mftantly  to  fire  on  him  and »- '    attendants. 
Havmg  efFefted  this,  they  were  immediately  to  rufh 
into  the  town,  where  they  would  find  themfelves  fup- 
po.-ted  by  a  great  number  of  the  warriors,  that  were  to 
come  into  it  during  the  fitting  of  the  council,  under 
pretence  of  trading,  but  privately  armed  in  the  fame 
n^nner.     Having  gained  from  the  woman  every  nec- 
eilary  particular  relative  to  the  p'ot,  and  alfo  of  the 
means  by  which  flie  acauired  a  knowlpd"^  '^f  ^^-"'^   •-- 

*^f  ?'2n-  ^^^-^"^^  injunaionsof  fccrecy,'^and  a  promife 
ot  tulhlling  on  his  part  with  punaualitv,  ihe  m?'?^e.. 
ments  lie  had  entered  into. 

The 


92 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


The  intelUgence  the  governor  had  juft  received,  gave 
him  great  uneafmeft  j  and  he  immediately  confulted 
the  officer  who  was  next  to  him  in  command,  on  the 
fubje£l.  But  that  gentleman  confidering  the  informa- 
tion as  a  ftory  invented  for  fome  artful  purpofes,  ad- 
vifed  him  to  pay  no  attention  to  it.  This  conclufion, 
however,  had  happily  no  weight  with  him.  He 
thought  it  prudent  to  conclude  it  to  be  true,  till  he 
was  convinced  thai  it  was  not  fo ;  and  therefore,  with- 
out revealing  his  fufpicions  to  any  other  perfon,  he 
took  every  needful  precaution  that  the  time  would  ad- 
mit of.  He  walked  round  the  fort  during  the  whole 
night,  and  faw  himfelf  that  every  centinel  was  on  duty, 
and  every  weapon  of  defence  in  proper  order. 

As  he  traverfed  the  ramparts  which  lay  neareft  to 
the  Indian  camp,  he  heard  them  in  high  feftivity,  and 
little  imagining  that  their  plot  was  difcovered,  proba- 
bly pleafing  themfelves  with  the  anticipation  of  their 
fuccefs.  As  foon  as  the  morning  dawned,  he  ordered 
all  the  garrifon  under  arms  i  and  then  imparting  his 
apprehenfions  to  a  few  of  the  principal  officers,  gave 
them  fuch  directions  as  he  thought  neceflary. 

At  the  fame  time  he  fent  round  to  all  the  traders,  to 
inform  them,  that  as  it  was  expedled  a  great  number 
of  Indians  would  enter  the  town  that  day,  who  might 
be  inclined  to  plunder,  he  defired  they  would  have 
their  arms  ready,  and  repel  every  attempt  of  that  kind. 

About  ten  o'clock,  Pontiac  and  his  chiefs  arrived  j 
and  were  condu<fted  to  the  council  chamber,  where 
the  governor  and  his  principal  officers,  each  with  pif- 
tols  in  their  belts,  awaited  his  arrival.  As  the  Indi- 
ans pafled  on,  they  could  not  help  obferving  that  a 
greater  number  of  troops  than  ufual  were  drawn  up 
on  the  parade,  or  marching  about.  No  fooner  were 
they  entered,  and  feated  on  the  Ikins  prepared  for 
them,  than  Pontiac  alked  the  governor  on  what  occa- 
fioh  his  young  men,  meaning  the  foldiers,  were  thus 

drawn 


CARVER'S  TRAtTSS^. 


m 


drawn  up,  and  parading  the  ftreets.  He  received  for 
anfwer,  that  it  was  only  intended  to  keep  them  perfeit 
in  iheir  cxercife. 

The  Indipn  chief  wan-ior  now  began  his  fpeech, 
which  contained  the  ftrongcft  profcfllons  of  fricndlhip 
nnd  good  will  towards  the  Enghili  ;  and  when  he 
came  to  the  deUvery  of  the  belt  of  wampum,  the  partic- 
ular mode  of  which,  according  to  the  woman's  infor- 
mation, was  to  be  the  fignal  for  his  chiefs  to  fire,  the 
governor  and  all  his  chiefs  drsw  their  fwords  halfway 
out  of  their  fcabbard?  ;  and  the  foldiers  ;  lie  fame 
inftant  made  a  clattering  with  their  arms  before  the 
doors,  which  had  been  purpofely  left  open.  Pontiac, 
though  one  of  the  boldeft  of  men,  immediately  turned 
pale,  and  trembled  ;  and  inftead  of  giving  the  belt  in 
the  manner  propofed,  delivered  it  according  to  the 
ufual  way.  His  chiefs  who  had  impatiently  expefted 
the  fignal,  looked  at  each  other  with  aftoniftiment, 
but  continued  quiet,  waiting  the  refult. 

The  governor  in  his  turn  made  a  fpeech  ;  but  in- 
ftead  of  thanking  the  great  warrior  for  the  profeffions 
of  friendihlp  he  had  juft  uttered,  he  accufed  him  of 
being  a  traitor.  He  told  him  that  the  Englifli,  who 
knew  every  thing,  were  convinced  of  his  treachery  and 
villanous  defigns  ;  aiid  as  a  proof  that  they  were  well 
acquainted  with  his  moft  fecret  thoughts  and  intentions, 
he  ftepped  towards  the  Indian  chief  that  fet  ■  eareft  to 
him,  and  drawing  afide  his  blanket,  difcovered  the 
fliortened  firelock.  This  entirely  difconcerted  the 
Indians,  and  fruftrated  their  defign. 

He  then  continued  to  tell  them,  that  as  he  had  given 
his  word  at  the  time  they  defired  an  audlence,-that 
their  perfons  fhould  be  fafe,  he  would  hold  his  promife 
inviolable,  though  they  fo  little  deferved  it.  However, 
he  advifed  them  to  make  the  beft  of  their  way  out  of 
fort,  left  his  young  men  on  being  acquainted  with  their 
treacherous  purpofes,  fhould  cut  every  one  of  them  to 
pieces. 

Pontiac 


94 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Pontiac  endeavoured  to  contradia  the  accufation, 
and  to  make  excufes  for  his  fufpicious  condudt ;  but 
the  governor,  fatisfied  of  the  falfity  of  his  protefta- 
tions,  would  not  Hften  to  him.     The  Indians  imme- 
diately left  the  fort,  but  inftead  of  being  fenfible  df 
the  governor's  generous  behavior,  they  threw  off  the 
maflc,  and  the  next  day  made  a  regular  attack  upon  it. 
Major  Gladwyn  has  not  efcaped  cenfure  for  this 
miftaken  lenity  -,  for  probably  had  he  kept  a  few  of 
the  principal  chiefs  prifoners,  whilft  he  had  them  in 
his  power,  he  might  have  been  able  to  have  brought 
the  whole  confederacy  to  terms,  and  have  p-evented  a 
war.     But  he  atoned  for  this  overfight,  by  the  gallant 
defence  he  made  for  more  than  a  year,  amidft  a  variety 
of  difcouragcments. 

During  that  period  fome  very  fmart  Ikirmifhes  hap- 
pened   between    the    befiegers  and  the  garrifon,   of 
which  the  following  was  the  principal  and  moft  bloody : 
Captain  Delzel,  a  brave  officer,  prevailed  on  the  gov- 
ernor to  give  him  the  command  of  about  two  hundred 
men,  and  -to  permit  him  to  attack  the  enemy's  camp. 
This  being  complied  with,  he  fallied  from  the  town 
before  daybreak  j  but  Pontiac,  receiving  from  fome  of 
his  fwift-footed  warriors,    who   were  conftantly  em- 
ployed in  watching  the  motion  of  the  garrifon,  timely 
intelligence  of  their  defign,  he  collefted  together  the 
choiceft  of  his  troops,  and  met  the  detachment  at  fome 
diftance  from  his  camp,  near  a  place  fmce  called  the 
Bloody  Bridge. 

A"  the  Indians  were  vaftly  fuperior  in  numbers  to 

Captain  Delzel's  party,  he  was  foon  overpowered  and 

driven  back.     Being  now  nearly  furrounded,  he  made 

a  vigorous  effort  to  regain  the  bridge  he  had  juft  crofT- 

ed,  by  which  alone  he  could  find  a  retreat  ;  but  in  do- 
tttrt  «-1-.;o  i,^  }^n.  u:_  i!r-    .„  i  r  .  .  

-.•5  -..zia  iix.  luii  1113  luc,  anu  many  or  nis  men  ieii  wirh 
him.  However,  Major  Rogers,  the  fecond  in  com- 
mand,.ailifted  by  Lieutenant  Breham,  found  means  to 

draw 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


91 


draw  off  the  Shattered  remains  of  their  little  army,  and 
conduced  them  into  the  fort. 

Thus  confiderably  reduced,  it  was  with  difficulty  the 
Major  could  defend  the  town  ;  notwithftanding  which, 
he  held  out  againft  the  Indians  till  he  was  relieved,  as 
after  this  they  made  but  few  attacks  on  the  place,  and 
only  continued  to  blockade  it. 

The  Gladwyn  Schooner  (that  in  which  I  afterwards 
took  my  paflage  from  Michillimackinac  to  Detroit,  and 
which  I  fince  learnt  was  loft  with  all  her  crew,  on  Lake 
Erie,  through  the  obftinacy  of  the  commander,  who 
could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  take  in  fufficient  ballaft) 
arrived  about  this  time,  near  the  town,  with  a  reinforce- 
ment, ana  neceflary  fupplies.  But  before  this  veffel 
could  reach  the  place  of  its  deftination,  it  was  moft 
vigoroufly  attacked  by  a  detachment  from  Pontiac's 
army.  The  Indians  furrounded  it  in  their  canoes,  and 
made  great  havoc  among  the  crew. 

At  length  the  Captain  of  the  fchooner,  with  a  con- 
liderable  number  of  his  men  being  killed,  and  the  fav- 
ages  beginning  to  climb  up  the  fides  from  every  quar- 
ter,  the  lieutenant  (Mr.  Jacobs,  who  afterwards  com- 
manded, and  was  loft  in  it)  being  determined  that  the 
ftores  Ihould  not  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands,  and  fee- 
ing no  other  alternative,  ordered  the  gunner  to  fet  fire 
to  the  powder  room,  and  blow  the  fhip  up.    This  order 
was  on  the  point  of  being  executed,  when  a  chief  of 
the  Hurons,  who  underftood  the  Englifh  language, 
gave  out  to  his  friends  the  intention  of  the  commander! 
yn  receiving  this  intelHgence,    the  Indians   hurried 
<Iown  the  fides  of  the  fhip  with  the  greateft  precipita- 
tion, and  got  as  far  from  it  as  poflible  j  whilft  the 
commander  mimediately  took  advantage  of  their  con- 
iternation,  and  arrived  without  any  further  obftruaion 

—   — "-  ^'-'mi» 

This  feafonable  fupply  gave  the  garrifon  frefli  fpi- 
nts ;  and  Pontiac  being  now  convinced  that  it  would 
not  be  in  his  power  to  reduce  the  place,  propofed  an 

-  accommodation  -, 


5<^ 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


accommodation  ;  the  governor  wifliing  as  much  to  get 
rid  of  fuch  troublefome  enemies,  who  obftrufted  the 
intercourie  of  the  traders  with  the  neighbouring  na- 
tions, hftene;d  to  his  propofals,  and  having  procured 
advantageous  terms,  agreed  to  a  peace.  The  Indians 
foon  after  feparated,  and  returned  to  their  different 
provinces  ;  nor  have  they  fmce  thought  proper  to  dif- 
turb,  at  leaft  in  any  great  degree,  the  tranquiUity  of 
tliefe  parts. 

Pontiac  henceforward  feemed  to  have  laid  afide  the 
animofity  he  had  hitherto  borne  towards  the  Enghfli, 
and  apparently  became  their  zealous  friend.  To  re- 
ward this  new  attachment,  and  'to  infure  a  continu- 
ance of  it,  government  allowed  him  a  liandfome  peii- 
fion.  But  his  reftlefs  and  intriguing  fpirit.  would  not 
fuffer  him  to  be  grateful  for  this  allowance,  and  his 
conduct  at  length  grew  fufpicious  ;  fo  that  going,  in 
the  year  1767,  to  hold  a  council  in  the  country  of  the 
Illinois,  a  faithful  Indian,  who  was  either  commiffion- 
ed  by  one  of  the  Englifh  governors,  or  inftigated  by 
the  love  he  bore  the  Englilh  nation,  attended  him  as  a 
fpy;  and  being  convinced  from  the  fpeech  Pontiac 
made  in  the  council,  tha;  he  ftill  retained  his  former 
prejudices  againft  thofe  for  whom  he  now  profefled  a 
friendfhip,  he  plunged  his  knife  into  his  heart,  as  foon 
as  he  had  done  fpeaking,  and  laid  him  dead  on  the 
fpot.     But  to  return  from  this  digreflion. 

Lake  Erie  receives  the  waters  by  which  it  is  fuppli- 
ed  from  the  three  great  lakes,  through  the  Straits  of 
Detroit,  that  lie  at  its  northweft  corner.  This  lake 
is  fituated  between  forty  one  and  forty  three  degrees 
of  north  latitude,  and  between  feventy  eight  and  eigh- 
ty three  degrees  of  weft  longitude.  It  is  near  three 
hundred  miles  long  from  eaft  to  weft,  and  about  forty 

in    lt<5     hl'D^dpft    nnrt    ■    a^d    a     rfmirlruKl/i    ]r\nn    nirrrwn- 
"      .     ~"      '  J-    -  -   .       —  ,     ^     ,,, 

pomt  lies  on  its  north  fide,  that  projeils  for  feveral 
miles  into  the  lake  towards  the  foutheaft. 

There 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


^y 


There  are  ferernl  iflands  near  the  weft  end  of  it  fo 
infcflred  with  rattlcfnakes,  that  it  is  very  dangerous^  to 
land  on  them.      It  is  impoffible  that  any  place  can 
produce  a  greater  number  of  all  kinds  of  thefe  rep- 
tiles than  this  does,  particMarly  of  the  water  fnidce. 
The  lake  is  covered  near  the  banks  of  the  iflands  with 
the  large  porld  lilly ;  the  leaves  which  lie  on  the  fur- 
face  of  the  water  are  fo  thick,  as  to  cover  it  entirely 
for  many  acres  together  5  and  on  each  of  thefe  lav, 
when  I  palled  over  it,  wreathes  of  water  fnakes  baik-, 
mg  m  the  <un,  which  amounted  to  myriads. 
_    The  moft  remarkable  of  the  different  fpecies  that 
infell  this  lake,  is  the  hifling  fnake,  which  is  of  the 
fmall  fpeckled  kind,  and  is  about  eight  inches  long. 
When  any  thing  approaches,  it  flattens  itfelf  in  a  mo- 
ment, and  its  fpots,  which  are  of  various  dyes,  become 
VifiWy  brighter  through  rage  ;  at  the  fame  time  it 
blows  from  its  mouth,  with  great  force,  a  fubtile  windj 
that  IS  reported  to  be  of  a  naufeous  fmell  j  and  if 
drawn  in  with  the  breath  of  the  unwary  traveller,  v/ill 
infallibly  br^ng  on  a  decline,  that  in  a  few  months 
muft  prove  mortal,  tliere  being  no  remedy  yet  difcov- 
ered  which  can  countera^  its  baneful  influence. 

The  ftonts  and  pebbles  on  the  ihores  of  this  I  \c. 
are  moft  of  them  tinged,  in  a  greater  or  lefs  degree^ 
With  fpots  that  refemble  brafs  in  their  colour,  but 
which  are  of  a  more  fulphurous  nature.  Small  pieces, 
about  the  fize  of  hazle  nuts,  of  the  fame  kinds  of  ore, 
are  feund  on  the  fands  that  lie  on  its  banks,  and  under 
the  water. 

The  navigation  of  this  lake  is  cfteeraed  more  dan- 
gerous than  any  of  the  others,  on  account  of  many- 
high  lands  that  lie  on  the  borders  of  it  and  project 
!!!-f  ^^1^  ^^^ter,  in  a  perpendicular  direa:ion  for  many 
'Tiuzs  togetricr  y  io  thst  wheacver  mdden  itorms  arife, 
canoes  and  boats  are  f/equently  loft,  as  there  is  no 
place  for  them  to  find  a  flieitcr. 

«  This 


9« 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


This  lake  difcharges  its  waters  at  the  northeaft  end, 
into  the  River  Niagara,  jvhich  runs  north  and  fouth, 
and  is  about  tliirty  fix  miles  in  iength  ;  from  whence 
it  fails  into  Lake  Ontario.  At  the  entrance  of  this 
river,  on  its  eaftern  fliolfe,  lies  Fort  Niagara  ;  and, 
»bout  eighteen  miles  further  up,  thofe  remarkable 
Falls  which  are  efteemed  one  of  the  nipft  extraordi- 
mrj  produdlions  of  nature  at  prefent  known. 

As  thefe  have  been  yifited  by  fo  many  travellers 
and  fo  frequently  dfifcribed,  I  fhall  omit  giving  u  par- 
ticular defcription  of  tuem,  and  only  obferve,  that  the 
waters  by  whi^ch  they  are  fupplied,  after  taking  their 
rife  near  two  thoufiind  miles  to  the  northweft,  and 
paffing  through  the  Lakes  Superior,  Michigan,  Huron, 
and  Erie,  during  which  they  have  been  receiving  con- 
ftant  accumulations,  at  length  ru^h  down  a  ftupendous 
precipice  of  one  hundred  and  forty  feet  perpendicular  ; 
and  in  a  flrong  rapid,  that  extends  to  the  diftance  of 
eight  or  nine  miles  below,  fall  neai-ly  as  much  more  : 
this  river  foon  after  empties  itfelf  into  Lake  Ontario. 

The  noife  of  thefe  falls  may  be  heard  an  amazing 
way.  I  could  plainly  diftinguifh  them  in  a  calm  morn- 
ing more  than  twenty  miles.  Others  have  faid  that  at 
particular  times,  and  when  the  wind  fits  fair,  tjhe  found 
of  them  reaches  fifteen  leagues. 

The  land  about  the  Falls  is  exceedingly  hilly  and 
uneven,  but  the  greateft  part  of  that  on  the  Nia;5ara 
River  is  very  gpod,  efpe,cially  for  graft  and  pafturage. 

Fort  Niagara  ftands  nearly  at  the  entrance  of  the 
■weft  end  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  on  the  eaft  part  of  the 
Straits  of  Niagara.  It  was  taken  from  the  French  in 
the  year  1759,  by  the  forces  under  the  command  of 
Pir  William  Johnfon,  and  at  prefcnj:  is  defended  by  a 
jconfiderable  garrifon. 

Lake  Ontario  is  the  next  and  leaft  of  the  five  great 
lakes  of  Canada.     Its  fituation  is  betweeii  forty  three 

of  latitude,  and  between 


forty  five  degr 


feventy 


■f^ 


CAllVEEL's  TRAVELS. 


99 


fix  and  feventy  nine  degrees  of  weft  longitude.  The 
form  of  it  is  nearly  oval,  its  greateft  length  being  from 
northeaft  to  fouthweft,  and  in  circumferelice,  about 
fix  hundred  raiks.  Near  tlie  foutheaft  part  it  receives 
the  waters  of  the  Ofwego  River,  and  on  the  northeaft 
difcharges  itfelf  rnto  the  River  Gataraqui.  Not  fa? 
from  the  place  where  it  ifllies,  Fort  Frontenat  for- 
merly ftood,  which  was  taken  from  the  French  during 
the  laft  war,  in  the  year  1758,  by  a  fmall  army  of  Pro- 
vincials under  Col.  Bradftreet. 

At  the  entrance  of  Ofwego  River  ftands  a  fort  of 
the  fame  name,  garrifoned  only  at  prefent  by  an  in- 
confiderablc  party.  This  fort  was  taken  in  the  year 
1756,  by  the  French,  when  a  great  part  of  the  garri- 
fon,  which  confifted  of  the  late  Shirley's  and  Pepper- 
el's  regiments,  were  maflacred  in  cold  blood  by  the 
favages. 

In  Lake  Ontario  are  taken  many  forts  of  fi{h> 
among  which  is  the  Ofwego  Bafs,  of  an  excellent  fla- 
vor, and  weighing  about  three  or  fb^r  poundsr 
There  is  alfo  a  fort  called  the  Cathead  or  Pout,  which 
are  in  general  very  large,  fcraie  of  them  weighing  eight 
or  ten  pounds  ;  and  they  are  efteemed  a  rare  diih 
when  properly  dreffedv       ,_  ij^ 

On  the  northweft  part  of  fhis  lake,  and- 16  the  fbuth-^ 
eaft  of  Lake  Huron,  is  a  tribe  of  Indians  called  Mif- 
fifauges,  whofe  town  is  denominated  Toronto,  fron> 
the  lake  on  which  it  lies  ;  but  they  are  not  very  nu- 
merous. The  country  about  Lake  Ontario,  efpecially 
the  more  north  and  eaftern  parts,  is  compofed  of  good 
land,  and  in  time  may  make  very  flourifliing  fettle- 
ments. 

TheOniada  Lake,  fituated  near  the  Kead  of  the 
River  Ofwego,  receives  the  waters  of  Wood  Creek, 
which  takes  its  rile  not  far  from  the  Mohawk's  River. 
Thefe  two  lie  fo  adjacent  to  each  other,  that  a  junc- 
tion is  efFefted  by  fluices  at  Fort  Stanwix,  about 
twelve  miles  from  the  moutlx  of  the  former.    This 

lake 


100 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS, 


lake  is  about  thirty  miles  long  from  caft  to  weft,  ami 
near  fifteen  broad.  The  country  around  it  bcIon-Ts 
to  the  Oniada  Indians.  ^ 

Lake  Champlain,  the  next  In  H^e  to  Ldke  Ontario, 
and  which  lies  nearly  eaft  from  it,  is  about  eiohty 
miles  in  length,  north  and  fouth,  and  in  its  broadeft 
part  fourteen.  It  is  well^^ftored  with  fiih,  and  the 
lands  that  lie  on  all  the  borders  of  it,  and  about  its 
riverS)  very  gootl. 

Lake  George,  formerly  called  by  the  French,  Lake 
St.  Sacrament,  lies  to  the  fouthwefi:  of  the  laft  men- 
tioned lake,  and  is  about  Uiirty  five  miles  long  from 
fiortli«aft^  to  fouthweft,  but  of  no  great  breadth.  The 
coiwitry  around  it  is  very  mountainous,  but  in  tlie  val- 
lies  the  land  is  tolerably  good. 

WheHtliefe  two  lakes  were  firft  difcovered,  they, 
were  known  by  no  other  name  than  that  of  the  Iro, 
quois  Lakes  j  and  I  believe,  in  the  firft  plans  taken  of 
thole  parts,  were  fo  denominated.  The  Indians  alfo 
that  were  then  called  the  Iroquois,  are  fince  known 
by  the  name  of  the  Five  Mohawk  nations,  and  the 
Mohawks  of  Canada.  In-  the  late  war,  the  former, 
whic^^confift^  of  the  Onondagoes,  the  bniadas,  the 
Senepas,  the  Tufcarories,  and  Iroondocks,  fought  on 
the  fide  of  the  Englifli  :  the  latter  which  are  called 
..the  Cohnawaghans,  and  St.  Francis  Indians,  joined 
the  French. 

A  yaft  traa  of  land  tliat  lies  between  the  two  laft 
mentioned  lakes  and  Lake  Ontario,  was  granted  in 
the  year  1629,  by  the  Plymouth  Company,  under  a 
patent  they  had  received  from  King  James  I.  to  Sir 
Ferdinando  jGorges,  and  to  Captain  Jolm  Mafon,  the 
head  of  that  family,  afterwards  difthiguifhed  from 
others^f  the  fame  name,  by  the  Mafons  of  Connedi* 
cut.  Ine  countries  fpecified  in  tiiis  grant  are  laid  to 
begin  ten  miles  from  the  heads  of  the  rivers  that  run 
from  the  eaft  and  fouth  into  Lake  George  and  Lake 
Champlain  i  an(;l  continuing  from  thefe  in  a  direa 

lin« 


CARVER^s  TRAVELS. 


i04 


fine  weftward,  extend  to  the  middle  of  Lake  Ontario  ; 
from  thence,  being  bounded  by  the  Cataraqui,  or 
river  of  the  Iroquois,  they  take  their  courfe  to  Mon- 
treal, as  far  as  Fort  Sorrell,  which  lies  at  the  jun<Slion 
of  this  rivojywith  the  Richlieu  ;  and  from  that  point 
are  enclofedty  the  laft  mentioned  river  till  it  returns 
back  to  th,e  two  lakes. 

This  immenfe  fpace  was  granted  by  the  name  of 
the  Province  of  Laconia,  to  the  aforefaid  gentlemen, 
on  fpecified  conditions  and  under  certain  penalties  j 
but  none  of  thefe  amounted  in  cafe  of  omiffion  in  the 
fulfilment  of  any  part  of  them,  to  forfeiture,  a  fine 
only  could  be  exadled. 

On  account  of  the  continual  wars  to  which  thefc 
parts  have  been  fubjea,  from  their  fituation  between 
the  fettlements  of  the  Englilh,  tlie  French,  and  the 
Indians,  this  grant  hm  been  fuffered  to  lie  dormant 
by  the  real  proprietors.  Notwithflranding  which,  fev* 
era!  towns  have  been  fettled  fmce  the  late  war,  on  the 
borders  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  grants  made  to  difFpr- . 
ent  people  by  the  governor  of  New  York,  of  part  of 
thefe  territories,  which  are  now  become  annexed-  to 
that  province.- 

There  are  a  great  number  of  lakes  on  the  north  of 
Canada,  between  Labrador,  Lake  Superior,  and  Hud- 
fon  s  Bay,  but  thefe  are  comparatively  fmalL  As  they 
he  out  of  the  track  that  I  purfued,  I  ihall  only  give  a 
fummary  account  of  them.  The  moft  wefterly  of 
thefe  are  the  Lakes  Nipifmg  and  Tamifcaming.  The 
hrlt  hes  at  the  head  of  the  French  River,  and  runs 
.  into  Lak-  Huron  ;  the  other  on  the  Ottawaw  River, 
which  empties  itfelf  into  the  Cataraqui  at  Montreal, 
ihefe  lakes  are  each  about  one   hundred  miles  in 

The  next  is  Lake  Miflaffin,  on  the  head  of  Rupert's 

Kiver,  that  falls  into  Jame's  Bay.  *This  lake  is  fo 

irregular  from  the  large  points  of  land  by  which  it  is 

«itcrfe(^ed  on  every  fide,  that  it  is  difficult  either  to 

'*  <lefci?ibe 


loa 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


I 


delcribc  its  fliape,  or  to  ascertain  its  fize.  It  however 
appears  on  the  whoJe  to  be  more  thiiii  two  hundred 
miles  in  circumference. 

Lake  St.  John,  which  is  about  eighty  miles  round, 
and  of  a  circular  form,  Hes  on  the  Sagu^ay  River, 
directly  north  of  Qnehec,  and  falls  intone  St.  Law- 
rence, fomewhat  nortaeafl  of  that  city.  Lake  Man- 
ikouagone  lies  near  the  head  of  the  Black  River, 
which  empties  itfelf  into  the  St  Lawrence  to  the 
01  eartward  of  the  laiT:  mentioned  river,  i>ear  the  coail: 

|(  of  Labrador,  and  is  about   fixty  miles  in  circumfer- 

I  cnce.  Lake  Pertibi,  Lake  Wincktagan,  Lake  Etche- 

laugon,  and  Lake  Papenouagane,  with  a  nufnber  of 
other  fmall  lakes,  lie  near  the  heads  of  the  Buftard 
River  to  the  north  of  the  St.  Lawrence. 

Many  others,  which  it  is  unnecelTary  to  particular- 
ize here,  are  aifo  found  between  the  Lakes  Huron 
and  Ontario. 

The  whole  of  thofe  I  }iave  enumerated,  amount- 
ing to  upwards  of  twenty,  are  within  the  limits  of 
Canacb  •,  and  from  this  account  it  might  be  deduced, 
that  the  northen  parts  of  No-th  America,  through 
thefe  numerous  inland  feas,  con.  in  a  greater  quantity 
of  water  than  any  other  quarter  of  the  globe. 

In  October  1768  I  arrived  at  Bofton,  having  been 
abfent  from  it  on  th's  expedition  two  years  and  five 
months,  and  durim  that  time  travelled  near  fcven 
thoufand  miles.  F?  om  thence,  as  foon  as  I  had  prop- 
erly digefted  my- Journal  and  Charts,  I  fet  out  for 
England  to  communicate  the  difcoveries  I  had  made, 
and  to  render  thesn  beneficial  tb  the  kingdom.  But 
the  profecution  of  my  plans  for  reaping  thcfe  adv?.n- 
tages  have  hitherto  been  ob<lru(n:ed  by  the  unhappy 
dlyilions  that  have  been  fomented  bctwf.en  Orfikt 
Britian  and  the  Colonies  by  their  mutual  enemies. 
Should  peace  once  more  be  rcftored,  I  doub't  nof  but 
that  the  countries  I  ha,ve  defcribed  will  prove  a  more 
abuftilant  fource  of  riches  to  this  nation,  than  cither  its 
^  .        -        Euit 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


103 


Eaft  or  "Weft  Indian  fcttlemcnts  ^  and  I  fhall  not  only 
pritle  myfelf,  but  fincerely  rejoice  in  being  the  means 
of  pointing  out  to  it  lb  valuable  an   acquilition. 

I  cannot  conclude  the  account  of  my  extenfive  trav- 
els, without  exprefilng  my  gratitude  to  that  beneficent 
Iking  who  invifibly  protecHied  me  througli  thole  perils 
which  unavoidably  attend  i'o  long  a  tour  among  fierce 
and  untutored  favages. 

At  the  fame  time  let  me  not  be  accufed  of  vanity 
or  prefumption,  if  I  declare  that  the  motives  alledged 
in  the  introdudtion  of  this  work,  were  not  the  only 
ones  that  induced  me  to  engage  in  this  arduous  un- 
dertaking. My  views  were  not  folely  confined  to 
the  advantages  that  might  accrue  either  to  myfelf,  or 
the  community  to  which  I  belonged  ;  but  nobler 
purpofes  contributed  principally  to  urge  me  on. 

The  confined  ftate,  both  with  reg;  rd  to  civil  and 
religious  improvements,  in  which  fo  many  of  ciy  fel- 
low creatures  remained,  aroufed  within  my,  bofom 
an  irrefiftible  inclination  'o  explore  the  almolt  un- 
Itnown  regions  which  they  inhabited  ;  and  as  a  pre- 
paratory ftep  towards  the  introduction  of  more  pol- 
iilied  manners,  and  more  humane  fentiments,  to  gain 
a  knowledge  of  their  language,  cuftoms,  and  princi- 
ples. 

I  con^Ts  that  the  little  benefit  too  many  of  tljc 
Indian  nations  have  hitherto  received  from  their 
iutercourfc  with  thofe  who  denominate  themfelves 
Chriftians,  did  not  tend  to  encourage  my  charitable 
purpofes  i  yet  as  many,. though  not  the  generality, 
might  receive  fome  benefit  frojn  the  introdudion 
among  them  of  the  polity  and  religion  of  the  Euro- 
peans, without  retaining  only  the  errors  or  vices  that, 

from  the  flenm-uifv  anrt    i>.>vfr/=i-f;^v,  ^C  j-U-^:-    r,/fL 

—  ---I J   -    J"!  T- .  i^-j-ii  -.-i    ni-wu    piuiciiuir., 

^'•'"  unhappily  attendant  on  thefe,  I  determined  to  per- 

able  to 
I  was 

willing 


fevere. 


>^or  could  I  flatter  myfelf  that  I  fhould  be 

i  however, 


accomplilh  alone  this  great  defijjn 


t04 


CARVER'S  TRAVELg. 


wjllmg  to  contribute  .ij  much  as  lay  in  ;  ly  power  to« 
wards  it.  In  all  public  undert;ikings  wouKi  ,'vcry  on- 
do  this,  and  furnifh  with  alacrity  his  particular  "fnM-f: 
towards  if,  what  ftupendous  works  might  not  oe 
compleced  ? 

It  is  true  that  tlte  Indians  are  not  without  fome 
fenfe  of  religion,  and  fuch  as  proves  that  they  worlhip 
the  Great  Creator  with  a  degree  of  purity  unknown 
to  nations  who  have  greater  opportunities  of  improve- 
ment ;  but  their  religious  principles  are  far  from  bein^ 
fo  faultiefs  as  dcfcribed  by  a  learned  writer,  or  unmix- 
ed with  opinions  and  ceremcMiies  that  greatly  lelTcn 
their  exceUency  in  this  point.  So  that  could  the 
do(ftrines  of  genuine  and  vital  Chriflianity  be  intro- 
duced among  them,  pure  and  untainted,  as  it  flowed 
from  the  lips  of  its  Divine  Infl:r<Stor,  it  would  certainly 
tend  to  clear  away  th;  >  fuperfHtious  or  idolatrous 
drofs  by  which  the  rationality  of  their  religious  tenets 
are  obfcurecL  Its  mild  and  beueficent  preccp:s  would 
likewife  conduce  to  fbften  their  implacable  difpofitions, 
and  to  refine  thdr  favage  manners  j  an  event  moil 
defirable  j  and  happy  ihall  I  efteem  myfelf,  if  this 
publication  Ihall  prove  the  means  of  pointing  out  the 
path  by  which  (alutary  inftruftions  may  be  conveyed 
to  them,  and  the  converfion,  though  but  of  a  few,  be 
the  confequencc.  ^ 


CONCtUSION  Oi     TKE   JOURNAJ.,.  h', 


Of 


Of    THi 


QmiX,  MANNERS,  CUSTOAfS,  RELIGION,  JND  LAif. 
OVAGE  OF  TkS 

INDIANS. 


CHAP.  I. 


OF  THEIR    ORIGIN, 

«.ft  •  k  u-       ^ '^^^»s  by  which  America  received  its 
M  mhubitants  have,  fince  the  time  of  its  difcovery  by 

?ns    '^f  T:  ^''"  '^'  ^^''j^^  ^^  numberlefs  di Vifi! 

*\  "   n  .       r    •   '"'^T^^  ""  ^°"^^  t^^«  difTerent  opin- 

talc  rTnn^Jf       "^'  ^/r'^'  ^^"°"^  ^^'*^"  ^^at  have  ^ 
afcen  up  the  pen  in  defence  of  their  conjeaures,  the 

I  ZrZT  ^'^"i'^  "^"^^  ^^^^^'^  *^e  boinds  I  have 
prefcnbed  to  myfelf,  :«cl  oblige  me  to  be  lefs  explicit 
I  on  pomts  of  greater  moment.                                ^     ^ 
From  the  obfcuritv  in  wKic^^  •^i^-  J-u_.^  .• , 

ji^throu^  the  total  diiufcVietter;:;;;s;g^:^nS: 

nce.S^^^^  °"  th.  extenfwe  continent  and' t^ 
j "7 ages,  I  feaj-,  that  even  after  the  moil  minute  invefti- 

gation. 


io6 


CARVER'S  travels:. 


gation,  iffe  fKall  not  be  able  to  fettle  it  with  any  gi*ea^ 
degree  of  certainty.  And  this  apprehenfion  will  re- 
ceive additional  force,  when  it- is  confidered  that  the 
diverfity  of  language,  which  is  apparently  diftinft  be- 
tween moft  of  the  Indians,  tends  to  afcertain  that  this 
population  was  not  efFe<fled  from  one  paiticular  coun- 
try, but  from  feveral  neighbouring  ones,  and  complete 
ed  at  different  periods.  * 

Moft  of  tlic  hiftorians,  or  traveller^  that  have  treated 
on  the  American  Aborigines,  difagree  in  their  fenti- 
ments  relative  to  them.  Many  of  the  ancients  are 
fuppofed  to  have  known  ihat  this  quarter  of  the  globe 
not  only  exifted,  but  alfo  that  it  was  inhabited.  Plato 
in  his  Timaeus  has  afferted,  that  beyond  the  ifland 
which  he  calls  Atalantis,  and  which,  according  to  his 
defcription,  was  fituated  in  the  Weftern  Ocean,  there 
were  a  great  number  of  other  iflands,  and  behind  thofc 
a  vaft  continent. 

Oviedo,  a  celebrated  Spanifh  author  of  a  much  later 
date,  has  made  no  frcupk  to-  affirm  that  the  Antilles 
are  the  famous  Hefperides  fo  often  mentioned  by  the 
poet«  }  which  are  at  length  reftored  to  the  kings  of 
Spain,  the  defcendants  of  king  Hefperus,  who  lived 
upwards  of  three  thoufand  years  ago,  and  from  whom 
thefe  iflands  received  their  name. 

Two  other  Spsmiards,  the  one  Father  Gregorb 
Garcia,  a  D(Mninican,  the  other  Father  Jofeph  De 
Acofta,  a  Jefuit,  have  written  on  the  origin  of  the 
I  Americans. 

Tlie  former,  who  had  been  employed  in  the  mif' 
fions  of  Mexico  and  Peru,  endeavoured  to  prove  from 
the  traditions  of  the  Mexicans,  Peruvians^  and  others 
which  he  received  on  the  fpot,  and  from  the  variety 
of  chararters..  cuftoms,  languages,  and  religion  obferv- 
able  in  the  different  countries  of  the  New  "World,  that 
different  nations  had  contributed  to  the  peopling  of  it. 

Tuff 


S' 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS,  ,^7 

The  latter,  Father  DeAcofta,  in  his  examination 
*f  the  means  by  which  the  firft  Indians  of  America 
yighthave  found  a  paflage  to  that  cominent,  difcre! 
dits  the  conclufions  of  thofe  who  have  fuppofed  it  to 
bebyfea,  becaufe  no  ancient  author  has  iLde  men- *^ 
tion  of  the^compafs  :  and  concludes,  that  it  muft  be 
either^by  the  nqrth  of  Afia  and  Europe,  which  adiob 
to  each  other,  or  by  thofe  regions  tha?  lie  to  the  foiZ 
ward  of  the  Straits  of  Magellan.     He  alfo  rejefts  the 

Jf rSebrew?  "  "^'^  ^^^^^^^  ^^^  ^^  ^  P-pled 
John  de  Laet,  a  Flemifli  writer,   has  controvert^H 

*?H  'P"r  ."^  *'^^^  ^P^"^^^  f^^^^rs,  aSof  many 
others  who  have  wntter.  on  the  fame  fubjea     The 
hypothefis  he  endeavors  to  eftablifli,  is^  that  America 
ivas  certainly  peopled  by  tJie  Scythians  or  Ws ' 
and  that  the  tranfmigration  of  thefe  people  ha^ened  - 
foon  after  the  .lifperfion  of  Noah's  Wndfonf   He 
undertakes  to  fhow,  that  the  moft  northern  Americans 
have  a  greater  refemblance,  not  only  in  the  Sure 
«f  their  countenances,  but  alfo  in  their  complexTon 
and  manner  of  Jiving,  to  the  Scythians,  SsTZ 
Samoeides,  than  to  any  other  nations.  ' 

Inanfwerto  Grotius,  who  had  aflerted  that  fome 
of  the  Norwegians  pafTed  into  America  by  way^f 
Crecnland  and  over  a  vaft  continent,  he  fayr^tfa^f 
.3  well  known  that  Greenland  was  not  diWred 
f  the  year  964  5  and  both  Gomera  and  Herrerlin 
form  us  that  the  Chichimeques  were  fettk™  Z 
Lake  of  Mexico  in  721.  He  adds,  that  thefe  fay! 
ages,  according  to  the  uniform  tradition  of  the  Mex 

fccril  hS'^^^^'  ^^^«^'  ^--  from  the  L^^- 
fc   ailed  New  Mexico,  and  from  the  neighbouiood 

^bitantsfromS.^^:^:^^^^^        -X 

icanVfn     i'^' ^f  ^.^•"'  ^e  obferves,  that  the  real  Me3» 
icans  founded  ttonnpirc  in  902,  after  having  fX 

dued 


us 


CARVER^s  TRAVELS. 


dued  the  Chichimeques,  the  Otomias,  and  other  bar- 
barous nations,  who  had  taken  pofleflion  of  the  coun- 
try round  the  Lake  of  Mexico,  and  each  of  whom 
^^fpoke  a  language  peculiar  to  themfelves.  The  real 
"^Mexicans  are  likewife  fuppofed  to  come  from  fome 
of' the  countries  that  lie  near  California,  and  that  they 
performed  their  journey  for  the  moft  part  by  land  ; 
of  Gourfe  they  could  not  come  from  Norway. 

De  Laet  further  adds,  that  though  fome  of  the  in- 
habitants of  North  America  may  have  entered  it 
•  from  the  northweft,  yet,  as  it  is  related  by  Pliny, 
and  fome  other  writers,  that  on  many  of  the  iflands 
iiear  the  weftern  coaft  of  Africa,  particularly  on  th« 
Canaries,  fome  ancient  edifices  were  feen,  it  is  high- 
ly probable  from  their  being  now  deferted,  "that  the 
inhabitants  may  have  pafled  over  to  America  ;  the 
pafiage  being  neither  long  nor  difficult.  This  mi- 
«  gration,  according  to  the  calculation  of  thofe  authors, 
muft  have  happened  more  than  two  thoufand  years 
ago,  at  a  time  when  th^  Spaniards  were  much  trou- 
bled by  the  Carthaginians  j  from  whom  having  ob- 
tained  a  knowledge  of  navigation,  and  the  conftnic- 
tlon  of  Ihips,  they  might  have  retired  to  the  Antilles, 
by  the  way  of  the  weftern  ifles,  which  were  6xa<B:ly 
half  way  o%\  their  voyage. 

He  thinks  alfo  that  Great  Britain,  Ireland,  and  the 
Orcades  were  extremely  proper  to  admit  of  a  fimilar 
conje^ure.  As  a  proof,  he  inferts  the  following  paf- 
fage  from  the  hiftory  of  Wales,  written  by  Doa.  David 
Powel,  in  fhe  year  1 1 70.  *      ^ 

This  hiftorian  fays,  that  Madoc,  otte  of  the  fonsof 
Prince  Owen  Gwynnith,  being  difgufted  at  the  civil 
wars  which  broke  out  between  his  brothers,  after  the 
death  of  their  father,  fitted  out  feveral  velTels,  and  hav- 
-— ..-  r-.^nxj'Af^  f'h^'tv.  v-'sth  cvfTv  thiii'T  neceffkry  for  a  Ions 
voyage,  went  in  queft  of  new  lands  to  the  weftward 
of  Ireland  •,  there  he  difcovercd  very  fertile  countries, 
but  deftitute  of  inlubitants  }  when  landing  part  of  his 

people, 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS.  ,09 

people,  he  returned  to  Britain,  where  he  raifed  new 
Tf '  'vf  '^T"''^'  tranfported  them  to  this  colon^ 
The  Flemifl,   author  then  returns  to  the  Scythians 
between  whom  and  the  Americans  he  draws  a  Jar   le  .' 
He  obierves  that  feveral  nations  of  them  to  the  north 
of   he  Cafp.an  Sea,  led  a  wandering  life  ;  whUras 
well  as  many  other  of  their  cuftoms,  and  way  ofliv- 
mg    agrees  m  many  circumftances  with  the  Indians 
0  America.     And  though  the  refemblances  a,?n^ 
.^olutely  perfect  yet  the  emigrants,  even  before  they 
Ju    heir  own  country,  differed  from  each  other  and 
^ventnot  bythe  fame  name.     Their  change  of  Xde 
thccled  what  remained.  ^ 

He  further  %s,  that  a  fimilar  h'kenefs  exifts  be- 
r\rettld'""'"r^^^"^'  ^"'^  *^^  S--^de 

tnd:r^^^^"^^  ^^^^^  ^-''^-  Tre'L^^i'^eU 

of£r'aV1^7'4'^^°^^"Suefe,  In  his  hiftory 

piea  by  the  Carthagmians  and  IfraelifP^      h«  u  • 
asaproor  f  ,h,  ale„!o„  ,he  dlrj:     £  .htf^g' 

fellimo^rft'TrnfT'K''-?  ""'"^  neceffariesoflife; 

this  author  tlnk3  th"^  "^k-    ^t  '°  '^'  ^^^^^^'^^^ 
nor  thmks  that  nothing  but  circumcifion  is 

wanted 


f  10 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


"Wanted  in  order  to  conftltutc  a  perfect  refcmblancc 
between  them  and  the  Brazilians. 

George  De  Hornn,  a  Ic^jrned  Dutchman,  has  like- 
yi'ik  written  on  this  fubjeft.  He  fets  out  with  de- 
claring, that  he  does  not  believe  it  poffible  America 
could  have  been  peopled  before  the  flood,  confidering 
the  fhort  fpace  of  t'ime  which  elapfed  between  the 
creation  of  the  world  and  that  memorable  event.  In 
the  next  place  he  lays  it  down  as  a  principle,  that  after 
the  deluge,  men  and  other  terreftrial  animals  pene- 
trated into  that  country  both  by.fea  and  by  land  j 
fome  through  accident,  and  fome  from  a  formed  de- 
fjgn.  That  birds  got  thither  oy  flight ;  which  tliey 
were  enabled  to  do  by  reftm^f  on  the  rocks  and  iflands 
that  are  fcattercd  about  th^  Ocean. 

He  further  obferves,  that  wild  beafts  may  have 
found  a  free  paflage  by  land  ;  and  tb^t  if  we  do  not 
meet  with  horfes  or  cattle  (to  which  he  might  have 
added  elephants,  camels,  rhinoceros,  and  beafts  of  ma- 
ny other  kinds)  it  is  becaufe  thofe  nations  that  paffed 
thither,  were  either  not  acquainted  with  their  ufe,  or 
had  no  convenience  to  fupport  them. 

Haying  totally  excluded  many  nations  that  others 
have  admitted  as  the  probable  firft  fettlers  of  Ameri- 
ca,  for  which  he  gives  fubftantial  reafons,  he  fuppofes 
that  it  began  to  be  peopled  by  the  north  ;  and  mam- 
tains  the  primitive  colonies  fpread  themfelves  by  the 
means  of  the  ifthmus  of  Panama  through  the  whole 
extent  of  the  continent.  r    ^     r   v 

He  believes  that  the  firft  founders  of  the  Indian 
Cobnies  were  Scythians.  That  the  Phoenicians  and 
Cartliaginians  afterwards  got  footing  in  America  acrols 
the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  the  Chinefe  by  way  of  the 
Pacific.  And  that  other  nations  might  from  time 
to  time  have  iAimea  tncrc  ay  uuc  w  utuvi  ••.  - 
ways,  or  might  poffibly  have  been  thrown  on  the  coait 
by  teripefts  :  fince,  through  the  whole  extent  of  that 
f        ^  contment, 


CARVER'S  TRAVIlLS. 


tit 


continent,  both  in  its  northern  and  fouthern  parts,  we 
meet  with  undoubted  marks  of  a  mixture  of  the  north- 
ern nations  with  thofe  who  have  come  from  other 
places.  And  laflJy,  that  fome  Jews  and  Chriftians 
might  have  been  carried  there  by  fuch  hke  events, 
but  that  this  muft  have  happened  at  a  tirne  when  the 
whole  of  the  new  world  was  already  peopled. 

After  all,  he  acknowledges  that  great  difBcuhies 
attend  the  determination  of  the  queftion.  Thefe,  he 
fays,  are  occafioned  in  the  firft  place  by  the  imperfert 
knowledge  we  have  of  the  extremities  of  the  globe, 
towards  the  north  and  fouth  pole ;  and  in  the  next 
place  to  the  havoc  which  the  Spaniards,  the  firft  dif- 
coverers  of  the  new  world,  made  among  its  moft  an- 
cient monuments  j  as  witnefs  the  great  double  road 
betwixt  Quito  and  Cuzco,  an  undertaking  fo  ftupen- 
dous,  that  even  the  moft  magnificent  of  thofe  executed 
by  the  Romans  cannot  be  compared  to  it. 

^  He  fuppofes  alfo  another  migration  of  the  Phoeni- 
cians, than  thofe  already  mentioned,  to  have  taken 
place  ;  and  this  was  during  a  three  year's  voyage  made 
by  the  Tyrian  fleet  in  the  fervice  of  King  Solomon. 
He  aflerts  on  the  authority  of  Jofephus,  that  the  port 
at  which  this  embarkation  was  made,  lay  in  the  Med- 
iterranean. The  fleet,  he  adds,  went  in  queft  of  ele- 
phant's teeth  and  peacocks  to  tl  e  weftem  coaft  of  Af- 
rica, which  is  Tarfifh  ;  then  to  Ophir  for  gold,  which 
IS  Haite,  or  the  ifland  of  Hifpaniola  ;  in  the  latter 
opmion  he  is  fupported  by  Columbus,  who,  when  he 
difcovered  that  ifland,  thought  he  could  trace  the  fur- 
naces in  which  the  gold  was  refined. 

To  thefe  migrations  which  preceded  the  Chriftian 
aera,  he  adds  many  others  of  a  later  date  from  diflTerent 
nations,  but  thefe  I  have  not  time  to  enumerntr.  For 
the  fame  reafon  I  am  obliged  to  pafs  over  numberlefs 
writers  on  this  fubjeft  ;  and  fliall  content  myfelf 
with  only  giving  the  fentiments  of  two  or  three 
more. 


The 


112" 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS, 


The  firft  of  thefe  is  Pierre  De  Charlevoix,  a 
Frenchman,  who,  in  his  journal  of  a  voyage  to  North 
America,  made  fo  lately  as  the  year  1720,  has  recapit- 
ulated the  opinions  of  a  variety  of  authors  on  this 
head,  to  which  he  has  fnbjoined  his  own  conje£tures. 
But  the  latter  cannot  without  fome  difficulty  be  ex- 
tradledj  as  they  are  fo  interwoven  with  the  paflages 
he  has  quoted,  that  it  requires  much  attention  to  dif- 
criniinate  them. 

He  fcems  to  allow  that  America  might  have  receiv- 
ed its  finl:  inhabitants,  from  Tartary  and  Hyrcania. 
This  he  confirms,  by  obferving  that  the  lions  and 
tigers  which  are  found  in  the  former,  muft  have  come 
from  thofe  countries,  and  whofe  paflage  ferves  for  a 
proof  that  the  two  hemifpheres  join  to  the  northward 
of  Afia.  He  then  draws  a  corroboration  of  this 
argument,  from  a  {lory  he  fays  he  has  often  heard 
related  by  Father  Groilon,  a  French  Jefuit,  as  an  un- 
doubted matter  of  fait. 

This  Father,  after  having  laboured  fome  time  in 
the  miflions  of  New  France,  palled  over  to  thofe  of 
China.  One  day  as  he  was  travelling  in  Tartaiy,  he 
met  a  Huron  woman  whom  he  had  formerly  known 
In  Canada.  He  afked  her  by  what  adventure  fhe  had 
been  carried  into  a  country  fo  diftant  from  her  own. 
She  made  anfwer,  that  having  been  taken  in  war,  flie 
had  been  conduced  from  nation  to  nation,  till  flie  had 
reached  the  place  at  which  flie  then  was. 

Moufieur  Charlevoix,  fiys  further,  that  he  had  been 
ulTm-ed  another  Jefuit,  pafling  through  Nantz,  in  his 
return  from  China,  had  related  much  fuch  another 
affair  of  a  Spanilh  woman  from  Florida.  She  alfo 
had  been  taken  by  certain  Indians,  and  given  to  thole 
of  a  more  diflant  country  ;  ..nd  by  thefe  again  to 
another  nation,  till  having  thus  been  fucceflively  pafl'- 
e'd  (rom  '-ountry  to  country,  and  travelled  through 
regions  extremely  cold,  fhe  at  laft  found  herfelf  in 
Tartary.     Here  Ihe  had  married  a  Tartar,  who  had 

attended 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


"3 


attended  the  conquerors  in  China,  where  fhc  was  then 
fettled. 

He  acknowledges  as  an  allay  to  the  probability  of 
thefe  ftories,  that  thofe  who  had  failed  fartheft  to  the 
eaftward  of  Afza,  by  purfuing  the  coaft  of  JefTo,  or 
Kamfchatka,  have  pretended  that  they  had  perceived 
the  extremity  of  this  continent  ;  and  from  thence  have 
concluded  that  there  could  not  poffibly  be  any  com- 
munication by  land.  But  he  adds  that  Francis  Guclla, 
a  Spaniard,  is  faid  to  have  afferted,  that  this  feparation 
is  no  more  than  a  ftrait,  about  one  hundred  miles 
over,  and  that  fome  late  vopges  of  the  Japanefe  give 
grounds  to  think  that  this  ftrait  is  only  a  bay,  above 
which  there  is  a  palTage  over  land. 

He  goes  on  to  obftrve,  that  though  there  are  few 
wild  hearts  to  be  met  with  in  North  America,  except 
a  kind  of  tigers  without  fpots,  which  are  found  in  tjic 
country  of  the  Iroquoife,  yet  towards  the  tropics  there 
are  lions  and  real  tigers,  which,  notwithftanding,  might 
have  come  from  Hyrcania  and  Tartary  j  for  as  by  ad- 
vancing gradually  fouthward  they  met  with  climates 
more  agreeable  to  their  natures,  they  have  in  time  a- 
bandoned  the  northern  countries.. 

He  quotes  both  Solinus  and  Pliny  to  prove  that  the 
Scythian  Anthropophagi  once  depopulated  a  great  ex- 
tent of  country,  as  far  as  the  promontory  Tabin  ;  and 
alfo  an  author  of  later  date,  Mark  Pol,  a  Venetian, 
who,  he  fays,  tells  us^  that  to  the  northeaft  of  China 
and  Tartary  there  are  vaft  uninhabited  countries,  which 
might  be  fufficient  to  confirm  any  conjectures  concern- 
ing the  retreat  of  a  great  number  of  Scythians  into 
Am'^rica. 

To  this  he  adds,  that  we  find  in  the  ancients  the 
names  of  fnmc  nf  thfC^  n-yt^'.r^m.       Di: r. i__      I-  .1 

T  k-  'a"'-i~  "'    " "  '"-"'^'"'      *  ^'"7  4"'^*=^^   "I  ^n.C 

labians  ;  bolmus  mentions  the  Apuleans,  who  had 
for  neighbors  the  Maflagctes,  whom  Pliny  fiuce  affiires 
us  to  have  entirely  difappeared.  Ammianus  Marcelli- 
»us  expreft;Iy  tells  us,  that  the  fear  of  the  Anthropo- 
^•^  "         ■      phagi 


114 


CARVER'S  TRA\^LS. 


phagl  obliged  feveral  of  the  inhabitants  of  thofe  coun- 
tries to  f-  'ke  refuse  elfewhere.  From  all  thefe  authori- 
ties  Monileur  Charlevoix  concludes,  that  there  is  at 
Icaft  room  to  conjedhire  that  more  than  one  nation  in 
America  had  a  Scythian  or  Tartarian  original. 

He  fini£hes  his  remarks  on  the  authors  he  has  quot- 
ed, by  the  following  obfervations  :  It  appears  to  mc 
that  this  controverfy  may  be  reduced  to  the  two  fol- 
lowing articles  ;  fii-ll:,  how  the  new  world  might  have 
been  peopled  ;  and,  lecondly,  by  whom,  and  by  what 
means  it  has  been  peopled. 

Nothing,  he  aflerts,  may  be  more  eafily  anfwered  than 
the  firft.  America  might  have  been  peopled  as  the 
three  other  parts  of  the  world  have  been.  Many  diffi- 
culties have  been  formed  on  this  fubje<Sl,  which  have 
been  deemed  infolvable,  but  which  are  far  from  being 
fo.  The  inhabitants  of  both  Hemifpheres  are  certain- 
ly the  defcendants  of  the  fanle  father  5  the  common 
parent  of  mankind  received  an  exprefs  command  from 
Heaven  to  people  the  whole  world,  and  accordingly  it 
has  been  peopled. 

To  bring  this  about  it  was  necelTary  to  overcome  all 
difficulties  that  lay  In  the  way,  and  they  have  been  got 
over.  Were  thefe  difficulties  greater  with  refpedt  to 
peopling  the  extremities  of  Afia,  Africa,  and  Europe, 
or  the  tranfporting  men  into  tlie  iflands  which  lie  at  a 
confiderable  diflance  from  thofe  continents,  than  to 
pafs  over  into  America  .''  certainly  not. 

Navigation,  which  has  arrived  at  fo  great  perfeftion 
%vithin  thefe  three  or  four  centuries,  might  poffibly 
have  been  more  perfeifl  in  tiiofe  early  ages  than  at  this 
day.  Who  can  believe  that  Noah  and  his  immediate 
deicendants  knew  lefs  of  this  art  than  vfe  do  ?  That 

tTif  Hnil.^pr  qnd  nilnt  r,f  thp  lai"Of>fl-    {hm  tliat  PVCr  waSi 

a  fhip  that  was  formed  to  traverfe  an  unbounded  o- 
c'ean,  and  had  fo  many  llioals  and  quickdmds  to  guard 
agamft,  ffiould  be  ignorant  of,  or  Ihould  not  have  com- 
municated to  thofe'  of  hiij  defcendants  who  furvived 
,  '     '  :  ■   ■-  bun, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Jt^ 


nation  in 


him,  and  by  whofe  means  he  was  to  execute  the  order 
of  the  Great  Creator  :  I  iay,  who  can  believe  he 
iiiould  not  have  communicated  to  them  the  art  of 
failing  upon  an  ocean,  which  was  not  only  more  calm 
and  pacific,  but  at  the  fame  .time  confined  within  its 
ancient  limits  ? 

Admitting  this,  how  eafy  is  it  to  pafs,  exclufive  of 
the  pafTige  already  defcribed,  by  land  from  the  coaft 
of  Africa  to  Brazil,  from  the  Canaries  to  the  Weftern 
hlmds,  and  from  them  to  the  Antilles  ?  From    the 
Brltiili  Ides,  or  the  Coaft  of  France,  to  Newfoundland,. 
the  pa%e  is  neither  long  nor  difficult  ;  I  might  fay 
as  much  of  that  from  China  to  Japan  ;  from  Japan,  or 
the  Philipines,   to  the    Ifles  Mariannes  j    and   from 
thence  to  Mexico. 
^     There  are  iflands  at  a  confiderable  diftance  from 
the  continent  of  Afia,  where  we  have  not  been  fur^^ 
prifed  to  find  inhabitants,  why  then  fliould  we  won- 
der to  meet  with  people  in  America  ?  Nor  can  it  be 
imagined  that  the  grandfons  of  Noah,  when  they  were 
obliged  to  feparate,  and  fprcad  themfelves  in. conform- 
ity to  the  dcfigns  of  God,    over   the  whole   earth, 
iliould  find  it  abfolutely  impoffible  to  people  almoft 
one  half  of  it  . 

I  have  been  more  copious  in  my  extra«fts  from  this 
author  than  I  intended,  as  his  reafons  appears  to  be 
iohd,  and  many  of  his  obfervations  juft.  From  this 
encomium,  however,  I  muft  exclude  the  ftories  he 
Jias  introduced  of  the  Huron  and  Floridan  women^ 
which  I  think  I  might  venture  to  pronounce  fabulous. 

I  ihali  only  add,  to  give  my  readers  a  more  com- 
prehenfive  view  of  Monfieur  Charlevoix's  dilTertation, 
the  method  he  propofes  to  come  at  the  truth  of  what 
we  are  in  fearch  of. 

The  only  means  by  which  this  can  be  done,  he 
liys,  IS  by  comparing  the  language  of  the  Ameri(;ans 
With  the  different  nations  from  whence  we  might 
iuppofe  tiiey  have  peregrinated.     If  we  cojoipare  the 

former 


u6 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


former  with  thofe  words  that  are  confidcred  as  prim- 
itives, it  might  poffibly  fet  us  upon  fome  happy  dii- 
covcry.  And  this  way  of  afcending  to  the  original  of 
nations,  which  is  by  far  the  leaft  equivocal,  is  not  lb 
difficult  as  might  be  imagined.  We  have  had,  and 
ftill  have,  travellers  and  millionaries  who  have  attained 
the  languages  that  are  fpoken  in  all  the  provinces  of 
the  new  world  ;  it  would  only  be  neceiTary  to  mak  ?  a 
collc«Slion  of  their  grammars  and  vocabularies,  and  t-v 
collate  them  with  the  dead  and  living  languages  of  tiiv; 
old  world,  that  i>afs  for  originals,  and  the  fimilarity 
might  eallly  be  traced.  Even  the  different  dialects,  in 
fpite  of  the  alterations  they  have  undergone,  ftill  re- 
tain enough  of  the  mother  tongue  to  furnilh  conlider- 
ble  lights. 

Any  inquiry  into  the  manners,  c;.'ftoms,  religion, 
or  traditions  of  the  Americans,  '  in  order  to  difcovcr 
by  that  means  their  origin,  he  thinks  would  prove 
fallacious.  A  difquifition  of  that  kind,  be  obferves, 
is  only  capable  of  producing  a  falfe  Hght,  more  liktiy 
to  dazzle,  and  to  make  us  wander  from  the  right 
path,  than  to  lead  us  with  certainty  to  the  point  pro- 
pofed. 

Ancient  traditions  are  effaced  from  the  minds  of 
fuch  as  either  have  not,  or  for  feveral  ages  have  been 
without  thofe  helps  that  are  neceffary  to  prefervc 
And  in  this  fituation  is  full  one  half  of  the 
New  events,  and  a  new  arrangement  of 
give  rife  to  new  traditions,  which  efface  the 
and  are  thenafelvv,:}  efi^ced  in  turn.     After 


them. 
World, 
things, 
former, 

one  or  two  centuries  have  pafled,  there  no  longer  re- 
main any  traces  of  the  firft  traditions  ;  and  thus  we 
are  involved  in  a  ftate  of  uncertainty. 

He  concludes  with  the  following  remarks,  among 
many  others.  Unforeleen  accidents,  tempefts,  and 
Ihipwrecks,  have  certainly  contributed  tO'  people  every 
habitable  part  of  the  world  r  and  ought  we  to  wonder 
after  this,  at  perceiving  certain  refemblances,  both  of 

.  .      ,.    perlon* 


I 


pcrfons  an 

reinote  fro 

enc*:  betwt 

we  are  de 

notliing,   I 

languages  1 

thefc  cloud 

By  tills  ii 

that  prodig' 

Air.erica,   a 

each  other, 

totally  and 

world,  and 

h'  -e  pafled 

thofe,  who 

fuch  as  are 

the  g'ote, 

has  been  mc 

eel  to  fhipw 

which  have 

treatife. 

lihall  or 

before  I  giv( 

that  is  of  ^ 

among  the  I 

in  the  year 

hiftory  of  tl 

of  the  moO:  i 

gentleman,  ^ 

American  J] 

ites,  either  ■ 

foon  after  th 

This   defc 

religious  ritt 

marriages,   ti 

language,  tra 

ticulars.     Ar 

liead,  that  h( 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


1J7 


I 


pcrfons  and  manners  between  nations  thst  are  mofl: 
reinote  from  each  other,  when  we  find  Aich  a  dificr- 
enc\;  between  thofe  that  border  on  one  arother  ?  As 
wo  are  deftitute  of  hiilorical  monumenti,  there  is 
nothing,  I  repeat  it,  but  a  knowledge  of  the  pr:mitive 
languages  that  is  capable  of  throwing  ^ny  Hght  upon 
thcfc  clouds  of  impenetrable  darkncrs.*^ 

By  this  inquiry  we  ihould  at  leaft  be  fatisfied,  anvong 
that  prodigious  number  of  various  nations  inhabiting 
Air  erica,  md  differing  fo  much  in  languages  from 
each  other,  wiiich  are  thofe  who  make  ufe  of  words 
totally  and  entirely  different  from  thofe  of  the  old 
world,  and  who,  confequently,  muft  be  reckoned  to 
h'-e  paffed  over  to  America  in  the  earlieft  ages,  and 
thofe,  who,  from  th-  analogy  of  their  language  with 
fuch  as  are  at  prefonr  ufed  in  the  throe  other  parts  of 
the  globe,  leave  room  to  judge  that  their  migration 
has  been  more  recent,  and  which  ought  to  be  attribut- 
ed to  fhipwrecks,  or  to  fome  accident  fimilar  to  thofe 
which  Lave   been  fpoken  of  in  the  courfe  of  this 


treat  ife. 


I  fhall  only  add  the  opinion  of  one  author  more, 
before  I  give  my  own  fentiments  on  the  fubjeiH:,  and 
that  is  of  James  Adair,  Efq.  who  refided  forty  years  • 
among  the  Indians,  and  publiflied  the  hiftory  of  them 
in  the  year  1772.  In  his  learned  and  fyftematical 
hiftory  of  thofe  nations,  inhabiting  the  weftern  parts 
of  the  niofl  fouthern  of  the  American  colonies  ;  this 
gentleman,  without  hefitation,  pronounces  that  the 
American  Aborigines  are  defcendcd  from  the  Ifrael- 
ites,  either  whilft  they  were  a  maritime  power,  or 
loon  after  their  general  captivity. 

This  defcent  he  endeavors  to  prove  from  theii; 
religious  rites,  their  civil  and  martial  cuftoms.  their, 
marriages,  their  funeral  ceremonies,  their  manners, 
language,  traditions,  and  from  a  variety  of  other  par- 
ticulars. And  fo  complete  is  his  conviaion  on  this 
oead,  that  he  fancies  he  finds  a  perfect  and  indifputa^ 

ble 


ii8 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


blc  fimilitude  in  each.  Through  all  thefe  I  have  not 
time  to  follow  him,  and  fhall  therefore  only  give  a 
few  extradls  to  fliow  on  what  foundation  he  builds 
his  conjectures,  and  what  degree  of  credit  he  is  en- 
titled to  on  this  point. 

He  begins  with  obferving,  that  though  fome  have 
fuppofcd  the  Americans  to  be  dcfcended  from  the 
Chinefe,  yet  neither  their  religion,  laws,  nor  cuftoms 
agree  in  the  leall  with  thofe  of  the  Chinefe  ;  which 
fuificiently  proves  that  they  are  not  of  this  line.  Be- 
fic^A^s,  as  our  beft  fliips  are  now  almoft  half  a  year  in 
failing  for  China  (our  author  does  not  here  recolleft 
that  this  is  from  a  high  northern  latitude,  acrofs  the 
Line,  and  then  back  again  greatly  to  the  northward 
of  it,  and  not  diredtly  athwart  the  Pacific  Ocean,  for 
only  one  hundred  and  eleven  degrees)  or  from  thence 
to  Europe,  it  is  very  unlikely  they  fhould  attempt  fuch 
dangerous  difcoveries,  with  their  fuppofed  fmall  vcf- 
fels,  againfl  r;\pid  currents,  and  in  dark  and  fickly 
Monfoons. 

He  further  remarks,  that  this  is  more  particularly 
improbable,  as  there  is  reafon  to  believe  that  this  na- 
tion was  unacquainted  with  the  ufe  of  the  loadftone 
to  direft  their  courfe.  China,  he  fays,  is  about  eight 
thoufand  miles  diftant  from  the  American  continent, 
which  is  twice  as  far  as  acrofs  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 
And  we  are  not  informed  t^  any  ancient  writer  of 
their  maritime  fkill,  or  fo  much  as .  any  inclination 
that  way,  befides  fmall  coafting  voyages.  The  winds 
blew  likewife,  with  little  variation  from  eaft  to  weft 
within  the  latitudes  thirty  and  odd,  north  and  fouth ; 
and  therefore  thefe  could  not  drive  them  on  the 
American  coafl,  it  lying  direftly  contrary  to  fuch  a 
courfe. 

Neither  could  pcrfons,  according  to  this  writers  ac- 
tount,  fail  to  America  from  the  north  by  the  way  of 
Tartary  or  ancient  Scythia  }  that,  from  its  fituation, 
never  having  been  or  can  be  a  maritime  power  i  and 

it 


CARVI  i;  s  TRAVELS. 


219 


it  Is  utterly  impraaiciihle,  he  fays,  for  any  to  come 
to  America  by  fea  from  that  quarter.  Befides,  the 
remaining  traces  of  their  rditjioua  tercmonies  and 
civil  and  martial  cuftoms  arc  quite  oppofite  to  the 
like  veftiges  of  the  Old  Scythians.  Even  in  the  mod- 
crate  northern  cliinates  there  is  not  to  be  fctn  the 
leaft  trace  of  any  ancient  ftately  buildings,' or  of  any 
thick  fettlements,  as  jire  faid  to  remain  in  the  lefs 
healthy  regions  of  Peru  and  Mexico.  And  feveral 
of  the  Indian  nations  affure  us,  that  they  crolTed  the 
MiiUfippi  before  they  made  their  prel'ent  northern 
fetdements  ;  which,  connected  with  the  former  ar- 
guments, he  concludes  will  fufficiently  explode  that 
weak  opinion  of  the  American  Aborigines  being  lin- 
eally defcended  from  the  Tartars  or  ancient  Scy- 
thians. 

Mr.  Adair's  reafons  for  fuppofing  that  the  Ameri- 
cans derive  their  origin  from  the  Jews  are, 

Firft,  becaufe  they  are  divided  into  tribes,  and  have 
chiefs  over  them  as  the  Ifraelites  had. 

Secondly,  becaufe,  as  by  a  ftria  permanent  divine 
grecept,  the  Hebrew  nation  were  ordered  to  worftiip, 
at  Jerufalem,  Jehovah,  the  true  and  living  God,  ib 
do  the  Indians,  ftiling  him  Yohewah.  The  ancient 
Heathens,  he  adds,  it  is  well  known  worfhipped  a 
plurality  of  gods,  but  the  Indians  pay  their  religious 
devoirs  to  the  Great  beneficent  fupreme  holy  Spirit 
of  Fire,  who  refides,  as  they  think,  above  the  clouds, 
and  on  earth  alfo  with  unpolluted  people.  They  pay 
no  adoration  to  images,  or  to  dead  perfons,  neither 
to  the  celeftial  luminaries,  to  evil  fpirits,  nor  to 
any  created  beings  whatever. 

Thirdly,  becaufe,  agreeable  to  the  theocracy  or  di- 
vine government  of  Ifrael,  the  Indians  think  the  Dei- 
ty to  be  the  immediate  head  of  their  ftate. 

Fourthly,  becaufe,  as  the  jews  believe  in  the  min- 
Jftration  of  angels,  the  Indians  alfo  believe  that  the    i 


nigher  regions  are  inhjibited  by  good  fpirits 


Fifthly, 


I20 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Fifthly,  bccaufe  the  Indian  language  and  dialects 
appear  to  have  the  very  idiom  and  genius  of  the  He- 
brew. Their  words  and  fentences  being  eXpreni\e, 
concife,  emphatical,  fonorous,  and  bold  ;  and  often, 
both  in  letters,  and  fignifieatlon,  are  fynonimous  with 
the  Hebrew  language. 

Sixthly,  becaufe  they  count  their  time  after  the 
manner  of  the  Hebrews. 

Seventhly,  becaufe  in  conformity  to,  or  after  the 
manner  of  the  Jews,  they  have  their  prophets,  high 
priefts,  and  other  religious  orders. 

Eighthly,  becaufe  their  feftivals,  fafts,  and  religious 
rites  have  a  great  refeniblance  to  thofe  of  the  He- 
brews. 

Ninthly,  becaufe  the  Indians,  before  they  go  to 
war,  have  many  preparatory  ceremonies  of  purilica- 
tion  and  failing,  like  what  is  recorded  of  the  Ifraelites. 

Tenthly,  becaufe  the  fame  tafte  for  ornaments,  and 
the  fame  kind  are  made  ufe  of  by  the  Indians,  as  by 
the  Hebrews. 

Thefe  and  many  other  arguments  of  a  fimilar  na- 
ture, Mr.  Adair  brings  in  fupport  of  his  favourite  fyf- 
tem  ;  but  I  fliould  imagine,  that  if  the  Indians  are 
really  derived  from  the  Hebrews,  among  their  relig- 
ious ceremonies,  on  which  he  chiefly  feems  to  build 
his  hypothecs,  the  principal,  that  of  circumcifon, 
would  never  have  been  laid  afide,  and  its  very  remem- 
brance obliterated. 

Thus  numerous  and  diverfe  are  the  opinions  of 
thofe  who  have  hitherto  written  on  this  iubjeiH:  !  I 
ihall  not,  however,  either  endeavor  to  reconcile  them, 
or  to  point  out  the  enors  of  each,  but  proceed  to 
give  my  own  fentiments  on  the  origin  of  the  Ameri- 
cans •,  which  are  founded  on  conclufions  drawn  from 
the  moft  rational  arguments  of  the  writers  I  have 
Xiieritioned,  and  from  my  own  obfervations  ;  tlie  con- 
fiftency  of  thefe  I  fliall  leave  to  the  judgment  of  my 
readers  . 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


I2t 


The  better  to  introdtice  my  conjeflures  on  this 
head,  it  is  neceflary  firft  to  afcertain  the  diflance  be- 
tween America  and  thofe  parts  of  the  habitable  globe 
that  approach  neareft  to  it. 

Tiie  Continent  of  America,  as  far  as  we  can  judge 
from  all  the  refearches  that  have  been  made  near  the 
poies,  appears  to  be  entirely  feparated  from  the  other 
quarters  of  the  world.  That  part  of  Europe  wJiich 
approaches  nearetl  to  it,  is  the  coafl:  of  Greenland, 
lying  in  about  fcventy  derrrees  of  north  latitude  j  and 
which  reaches  within  twelve  degrees  of  the  coart  of 
Labnulcr,  fjttiated  on  the  nouheaft  borders  of  this 
continent.  The  coafk  of  Guinea  is  the  neareft  pare 
of  Africa  }  which  lies  about  eighteen  hundred  and 
fAfy  miles  northeaft  from  the  Brazils.  The  moft 
eaftern  coaft  of  A/ia,  which  extends  to  the  Korean 
Sea  on  the  north  of  China,  projefts  northeall  throueh 
enftern  Tartary  and  Kamfchatka  to  Siberia,  in  about 
fixty  degrees  of  north  latitude.  Towards  wliich  the 
\yelkrn  coafts  of  America,  from  California  to  the 
Straits  of  Anni.in,  extend  nearly  northweft,  and  lie 
in  about  forty  fix  degrees  of  the  fame  latitude. 

Whether  the  Continent  of  America  ftretches  any 
firtirer  north  than  thefe  ftraits,  and  joins  to  the  eaft- 
erft  parts  of  Afia,  agreeable  to  what  has  been  aflerted 
by  fome  of  the  writers  I  have  quoted,  or  whether  the 
lands  that  have  been  difcovered  in  the  intermediate 
parts  are  only  an  archipelago  of  iflands,  verging  to- 
wards the  oppofite  continent,  is  not  yet  afcertained. 

It  being,  however,  certain  that  there  are  many  con- 
fiderable  iflands  which  lie  between  the  extremities 
of  Afia  and  America,  viz.  Japon,  Yefo  or  Jedfo,  Ga- 
ma's  Land,  Behring's  Ifle,  with  many  others  difcovcr- 
!!!  J  Jf'^^^^^^^^^'^'  ^^^  befides  thefe,  from  fifty  degrees 
north  there  appearing  to  be  a  clufter  of  iflands  that 
reach  as  far  as  Siberia,  it  is  probable  from  their  prox^ 
imity  to  America,  that  it  received  its  lirfl:  inhabitant^ 
"om  them. 

^  This 


'  ii 


122 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


This  conclufion  is  the  moft  rational  I  am  able  t© 
draw,  fuppofing  that  fince  the  Aborigines  got  footing 
en  this  continent,  no  extraordinary  or  fudden  change 
in  the  pofition  or  furface  of  it  has  taken  place,  from 
inundations,  earthquakes,  or  any  revolutions  of  -the 
earth  that  wc  are  at  prefent  unacquainted  with. 

To  me  it  appears  highly  improbable  that  it  fhould 
have  been  peopled  from  different  quarters,  acrofs  the 
Ocean,  as  others  have  aflerted.  From  the  fize  of  the 
lliips  made  ufe  of  in  thofe  early  ages,  and  the  want 
of  the  compafs,  it  cannot  be  fuppofed  that  any  mari- 
time nation  would  by  choice  venture  over  the  unfath- 
omable Qcean,  in  fearch  df  diftant  continen|:s.  Had 
this  however  been  attempt eti,  or  had  Amei-ica  been 
Jfirll:  accidentally  peopled  from  fliips  freighted  with 
paflengers  of  both  fexes,  which  were  driven  by  ftrong 
eafterly  winds  acrofs  the  Atlantic,  thefe  fettiers  mull 
have  retained  forae  traces  of  the  language  of  the 
qountry  from  whence  they  migrated;  and  this,  fmce 
the  difcovery  of  it  by  the  Europeans,  muft  have  been 
made  out.  It  alfo  appears  extraordinary  that  feveral 
of  thefe  accidental  migrations,  as  allowed  by  fome, 
and  thefe  from  different  parts,  fhould  have  taken 
place. 

Upon  the  whole,  after  the  moft  critical  inquiries, 
and  the  matureft  deliberation,  I  am  of  opinion,  that 
America  received  its  firft  inhabitants  from  the  north- 
eaft,  by  way  of  the  great  Archipelago  juft  mentioned, 
and  from  thefe  alone.  But  this  might  have  been  ef- 
fieded  at  different  times,  and  from  various  parts  : 
from  Tartary,  China,  Japon,  or  Kamfchatka,  the  in- 
habitants of  thefe  places  refembling  each  other  in 
colour,  features,  and  iliape  j  and  who,  before  fome  of 
them  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  arts  and  fciences, 

O 

manners,  cuftoms,  religion,  and  language. 

The  only  difference  between  the  Chinefe  nation  and 
^he  Tartars  lies  in  the  cultivated  ftatc  of  the  one,  and 

■     '       '  the 


CARViER's  TRAVELS; 


I2J 


tRe  unpoHfhed  fltuation  of  others.  The  former  have 
become  a  commercial  people,  and  dwell  in  houfes 
formed  into  regular  towns  and  cities  ;  the  latter  live 
chiefly  in  tents,  and  rove  about  in  different  hordes, 
without  any  fixed  abode.  Nor  can  the  long  and- 
bloody  wars  thefc  two  nations  have  been  engaged  in, 
exterminate  their  hereditary  fimilitude.  The  prcfent 
family  of  the  Chinefe  emperors  is  of  Tartarian  ex- 
traction ;  and  if  they  were  not  fenfible  of  fome  claim 
befide  that  of  conqueftr,  fo  numerous  a  people  would 
fcarcely  fit  quiet  under  the  dominion  of  llrangers. 

It  is  very  evident  that  fome  of  the  manners  and 
cuftoms  of  the  American  Indians  refemble  thofe  of 
the  Tartars  ;  and  I  make  no  doubt  but  that  in  fome 
future  jera,  and  this  not  a  very  diftant  one,  it  will 
be  reduced  to  a  certainty,  that  during  fome  of  the 
wars  between   the  Tartars  and  the  Chinefe,  a  part 
of  the  inhabitants-  of  the   northern   provinces  were 
driven  from  their  native  country,  and  took  refuse  in 
f'jma  of  the  ifles  beforementioned,  and  from  thence 
round  their  way  into  America.     At  different  period;; 
each  nation  might  prove  vi(n:orious,  and  the  conquered 
by  turns  fly  before  their  conquerors  ;  and  from  iience 
might  arife  the  fimilitude  of  the  Indians   to  all  thcllr 
people,   and  that  animofity  which  exifts  between  fo 
many  of  their  tribes. 

It  appears  plainly  to  me  that  a  great  fimilarity  be- 
tween the  Indians  and  Chinefe  is  confpicuous  in  that 
particular  cuflom  of  fhaving  or  plucking  off  the  hair, 
and  leaving  only  a  fmall  tuft  on  the  crown  of  the 
head.  This  mode  is  faid  to  have  been  enjoined  hy 
the  Tartarian  emperors  on  their  acceffion  to  the  throne 
of  China,  and  confequently  is  a  farther  proof  that  this 
cuftom  was  Jn  ufe  among  the  Tartars  ;  to  whom,  as- 
well  as  the  Uiinefe,  the  Americans  might  be  indebt- 
ed for  it. 

Many  words  alfo  are  ufed  both  by  the  Chinefe  am* 
Indians,  which  have  a  refemblanc€  to  each  other,  not 

only 


'^^S- 


124 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


I.' 
m 


only  m  their  founc^,  but  their  fignification.  The  Chi- 
nefe  call  a  flave,  Ihungo  ;  and  the  Naudowefile  hi- 
dJJins,  whofe  language,  from  their  little  inta-coun\? 
with  the  Europeans,  is  the  lead  corrupted,  term  a  dog, 
fhungufh.  The  former  denominate  oni  fpecies  of 
their  tea,  fhoufong  ;  the  latter  call  their  tobacco, 
ihoufalTau.  Many  other  of  the  words  uied  by  the  In- 
dians contain  the  fyllables  che,  chiw,  and  chu,  after 
the  dlale^l  of  the  Chinefe. 

There  probably  might  be  found  a  fimilar  connexion 
between  the  lan^ua^e  of  the  Tartars  and  the  Ameri- 
can  Aborigines,  were  we  as  well  acquainted  with  it 
:is  we  are,  from  a  commercial  intercourfe,  with  that  ot 
the  Chinefe. 

I  am  confirmed  in  thefc  conjcrhires,  by  the  ac- 
counts of  Kamfchatka,  publiihed  a  few  years  ago  by 
order  of  the  Emprcfs  of  Ruflia.  The  author  of  which 
fjySj  that  the  fea  which  divides  that  peninfula  from 
America  is  full  of  illands  ;  and  tliat  the  diftance  be- 
tween Tfchukotikoi  Kofs,  a  promontory  wliich  lici 
at  the  caftern  extrouity  of  that  country,  and  the 
roafr  of  Ar.rjvira,  is  not  more  th  in  t.vo  dvgr  .Ob  and 
a  half  of  a  groat  circle.  He  further  fays,  that  there 
is  the  greateil  rerdbn  to  fuppofe  that  Aiia  and  Amer- 
ica once  joined  at  this  place,  as  the  coails  of  both  con- 
tinents appear  to  have  been  broken  into  capes  and 
bays,  which  anfwer  each  other  ;  more  cfpecially  a;5 
the  inhabitants  of  this  part  of  .both  refemble  each 
other  in  their  perfons,  habits,  cuftoms,  and  food. 
Tiieir  language,  indeed,  he  obferves,  does  not  appear 
to  be  the  fame,  but  then  the  inhabitants  of  each  dif- 
tri<^  in  Kamchatka  (peak  a  language  as  different  from 
each  other,  as  from  that  fpoken  on  the  oppofite  conft. 
Th'fe  obfervations,  to  which  he  adds,  the  ilmilarity 
v»l  tnc  Doacs  or  tn.c  inuaDiianis  or  cacn.  coair,  anu  a 
remark  that  the  natives  of  this  part  of  America  are 
wholly  ftrangers  to  wine  and  to  tobacco,  wliich  he  looks 
upon  as  a  proof  that  they  have  as  yet  had  .lO  comnui- 

nicatiou 


CARVER^s  TRAVELS. 


Ifaj 


nicatlon  with  the  natives  of  Europe,  he  fays,  amount 
to  little  lefs  than  a  demonftration  that  America  w  as- 
peopled  from  this  part  of  Afia. 

The  limits  of  my  prefent  undertaking  will  not  per-- 
mit  me  to  dwell  any  longer  on  this  fubje£t,  or  to  enu- 
merate any  other  proofs  in  favor  of  my  hypothefis. 
I  am,  however,  fo  thoroughly  convinced  of  the  cer- 
tainty of  it,  and  fo  defirous  have  I  been  to  obtain; 
every  teftimony  which  can  be  procured  in  its  fupport, 
that  I  once  made  an  offer  to  a  private  fociety  of  gen- 
tlemen, who  were  curious  in  fuch  refearches,  and  to 
whom  I  had  communicated  my  fentiments  on  thisi 
point,  that  I  would  undertake  a  journey,  on  receiv- 
ing fuch  fupplies  as  were  needful,  through  the  north- 
caft  parts  of  Europe  and  Afia  to  the  interior  parts  of 
America,  and  from,  thence  to  England  ;  making,  as 
I  proceeded,  fuch  obfervations  both  on  the  languages 
and  manners  of  the  people  with  whom  I  fhouid  be 
converfant,  as  might  tend  to  illuflrate  the  doctrine  I 
have  here  laid  down,  and  to  fatisfy  the  curiofity  of 
the  learned  or  inquifitive  :  but  as  this  propofal  was- 
judged  rather  to  require  a  national  than  a.  private 
fupport,  it  was  not  carjfied  into  execution. 

I  am  happy  to  find,  llnce  I  formed  the  foregoing 
eonclufions,  that  they  correfpond  with  the  fentiments 
of  that  great  and  learned  hiflorian,  Doaor  Robert- 
fon  ;  and  though  with  him,  I  acknowledge  that  the 
invefligation,  from  its  nature,  is  fo  obfcure  and  intri- 
cate, that  the  conjeftures  I  have  made  can  only  be 
confidered  as  conjectures,  and  not  indifputable  eon- 
clufions, yet  they  carry  with  them  a  greater  degree 
cf  probability  than  *he  fuppofitions  of  thofe  who  af* 
fert  that  this  continent  was  peopled  from  another 
quarter. 

vine  &t  the  Doctor's  quotations  from  the  Journals 

ofBehring  and  Tfchirikow,  who  failed  from  Kam- 

^atka,  about  the  year  1741,  in  quefl  of  the  Nevr 

World,  appears  to  carry  great  weight  with  it,  and  to 

1-2  ^ifford 


I2<f 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


afford  our  conclufions  firm  fupport  :  «  Tliefe  com- 
manders hnving  fbaped  their  courfe  towards  tlie  eaft, 
difcovercd  land,  whicli  to  them  appeared  to  be  part 
of  the  American  continent  ;  and  according  to  their 
obfervation.;,  it  fecms  to  be  iituated  within  a  few  de- 
grees of  the  northwelt  coaft  of  California.  They 
had  tliere  fome  intercourfe  with  the  iidiabitants,  who 
fccmed  to  them  to  refemble  the  North  Americans ; 
ns  they  prefented  to  the  Rufllans  the  Calumet  or  Pipe 
of  Peace,  which  is  a  fynibol  of  friendfhip  univcdal 
amonT;  the  people  of  North  America  and  an  ufvxge  of 
arbitrary  iuftltution  peculiar  to  them." 

One  of  this  incomparable  wTiter's  own  arguments 
an  fupport  q£  his  hypothefis,  is  alfo  us^ed  with  great 
judgment,  and  appears  to  be  nearly  conclufive.  He 
fays,  "  We  may  lay  it  down  as  a  certain  principle  in 
this  inquiry,  that  America  was  not  peopled  by  any 
nation  of  the  ancient  continent,  which  had  made  con- 
fiderable  progrefs  in  civilization.  The  inhabitants  of 
the  New  World  were  in  a  ftate  of  fociety  fo  extreme- 
ly rude,  as  to  be  unacquainted  with  thofe  arts  which 
nre  the  firft  qflays  of  human  ingenuity  in  its  advance 
towards  improvement.  Even  the  molt  cultivated  na- 
tions of  America  were  ilrangers  to  matiy  of  thofe 
■Hmple  inventions,  which  were  almoft  coeval  with  fo- 
ciety in  other  parts  of  the  world,  and  were  known 
in  the  earlieil  periods  of  civil  life.  From  this  It  Is 
manifefl;  that  the  tribes  which  orii^inally  migrated  to 
America,  came  ofl"  from  nations  which  muft  have 
been  no  lefs  barbarous  than  their  pofterity,  at  the 
time  when  they  were  firft  difcovered  by  the  Euro- 
peans. If  ever  tlie  ufe  of  iron  had  been  known  to 
the  favages  of  America,  or  to  their  progenitors,  if 
ever  they  had  employed  a  plough,  a  loom,  or  a  forge, 


.*■•,];* 


.„     ,1J 


1 


them,  and  it  is  impoflible  that  they  ihould  have  been 
abandoned  or  forgotten." 

CHAP.  IL 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


t2? 


CHAPTER  ir. 


Of  rHETR  PERSONS,  DRESS,  ^c% 


•T  ROM  the  firft  fettlement  of  the  French  in 
Canada,  to  the  conqueft  of  it  by  the  Englifli  in  1760, 
feveral  of  that  nation,  who  had  travelled  into  the 
interior^  parts  of  North  America,  either  to  trade  with 
the  Indians,  or  to  endeavor  to  make  converts  of  them, 
have  publiflied  accounts  of  their  cuftoms,  manners,  &c. 
The  principal  of  thefe  are  Father  Louis  Hennipin, 
Monf.  Charlevoix,  and  the  Baron  Le  Hontan.  The 
firft,  many  years  ago,  publiflied  fome  very  judicious 
remarks,  which  he  was  the  better  enabled  to  do  by 
the  afliftance  he  received  from  the  maps  and  diaries 
of  the  unfortunate  M.  De  la  Salle,  who  was  aflaffin- 
ated  whilft  he  was  on  his  travels,  by  fome  of  his 
own  party.  That  gentleman's  journals  falling  into 
Father  Hennipin's  hand,  he  was  enabled  by  them  to 
publifh  many  interefting  particulars  relative  to  the 
Indians.  But  in  fome  refpefts  he  fell  ver^  fliort  of 
that  knowledge  which  it  was  in  his  power  to  have 
attained  from  his  Long  refidence  among  them.  Nor 
was  he  always  (as  has  been  already  obferved)  exad 
in  his  calculations,  or  jult  in  the  intelligence  he  has 
given  us. 

The  accounts  publiflied  by  the  other  two,  particu- 
larly thofe  of  Charlevoix,  are  very  erroneous  in  the 
geographical  parts,  and  many  of  the  ftories  told  bj? 
the  Baron  are  mere  delufions. 

Some  of  the  jefuits,  who  heretofore  travelled  into 
thefe  pai-ts,  have  alfo  written  on  this  fubjeft  ;  but  as 
few,  if  any,  of  their  works  have  been  tranflated  into 
the  Englifli  language,  the  generitnty  of  readers  are 

not 


128 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


! 


I 


not  benefited  by  them  ;  and,  indeed,  had  this  been 
done  they  would  have  reaped  but  few  advantages 
from  them,  as  they  have  chiefly  confined  their  obler- 
vations  to  the  religious  principles  of  the  favages,  and 
the  fteps  taken  for  therf  converfion. 

Sin';e  tlae  conqueft  of  Canada,  fome  of  our  own 
countrymen  who  have  lived  among  the  Indians,  and 
learned  their  language,  have  publiihed  their  obferva- 
tions  ;  however,  as  their  travels  have  not  extended  to 
any  of  th«  interior  parts  I  treat  of,  but  have  only 
been  made  among  the  nations  that  border  on  our  fet- 
tlements,  a  knowledge  of  the  genuine  and  uncontam- 
inated  cuftoms  and  manners  of  the  Indians  could 
not  have  been  acquired  by  them. 

The  fouthern  tribes,  and  thofe  that  have  held  a 
conftant  intercourfe  with  the  French  or  Englifh,  can- 
not have  preferved  their  manners  or  their  cuftoms  in 
their  original  purity.  They  could  not  avoid  acquir- 
ing the  vices  with  the  language  of  thofe  they  con- 
verfed  with ;  and  the  frequent  intoxications  they  ex- 
perienced through  the  baneful  juices,  introduced 
among  them  by  the  Europeans,  have  completed  a 
total  alteration  in  their  characters. 

In  fuch  as  thefe,  a  confufedly  medley  of  principles 
or  ufages  are  only  to  be  obferved  5  their  real  and 
unpolluted  cuftom,  could  be  fecn  among  thofe  na- 
tions aloile  that  have  held  but  little  communication 
with  the  provinces.  Thefe  I  found  in  the  north- 
weft  parts,  and  therefore  flatter  myfelf  that  I  am 
able  to  give  a  more  juft  account  of  the  cuftoms  and 
manners  of  the  Indians,  in  their  ancient  purity,  than 
any  that  has  been  hitherto  publifhed.  I  have  made 
obfervations  on  thirty  nations,  and  though  moft  of 
thefe  have  diff^ered  in  their  languages,  there  has  ap- 
peared a    ffreat  fimilaritv  in,  their  manners*  :indl  frnni 

thefe  have  I  endeavoured  to  extra(a  the  foliowing  re- 
marks. 

As 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


1291 


As  I  do  not  propofc  to  give  a  regular  and  connect- 
ed fyftem  of  Indian  concerns,  but  only  to  relate  fuch 
jiarticulars  of  their  m;nniers,  cuftoms,  Sec.  as  T  thought 
inoi't  worthy  of  notice,  and  which  interfere  as  little  as 
poiiible  with  the  accounts  given  by  othjr  writers,  I 
muft  beg  my  readers  to  excufe  their  not  being  ar- 
ranged fyftematically,  or  treated  of  in  a  raord  copfous 
m:inner. 

The  Indian  nations  do  not  appear  to  me  to  differ 
fu  widely  in  their  make,  colour,  or  conftitution  from 
each  other,  as  reprefented  by  fome  writers.  They 
are  in  general  flight  made,  rather  tall  and  ftraight, 
and  you  feldom  fee  any  among  them  deformed,  their 
ikin  is  of  a  reddiih  or  copper  colour  ;  t'icir  eyes  are 
large  and  black,  and  their  hair  of  the  fame  hue,  but 
very  rarely  is  it  curled  ;  they  have  good  teeth,  and 
their  breath-  is  as  fweet  as  the  air  they  draw'  in  ;. 
their  cheek  bones  rather  raifed,  but  more  fo  in  the 
women  than  the  men  ;  and  the  former  are  not  quite 
i'o  tall  as  the  European,  women,  however,  you  fre- 
quently meet  witli  good  faces  and  agreeable  perfons. 
unon'T  then,  although  they  are  more  inclined  to.be 
lilt  than  the  ether  icx. 

I  ihall  not  enter  into  a  particular  inquiry  whether 
the  Indians  are  indebted  to  nature,  art  or  the  temper- 
ature of  the  climate  for  the  colour  of  their  flcin,  nor 
ihall  I  quote  any  of  the  contradictory  accounts  I 
have  read  on  this  fubjeCl ;  I  ihall  only  fay,  that  it 
r^ppears  to  me  to  be  the  tindlure  they  received  origin- 
ally from  the  hands  of  their  Creator  ;  but  at  what 
period  the  variation  which  is  at  prefent  vifible,  both, 
in  the  complexion  and  features  of  many  nations  took 
place,  at  what  time  the  European  whitenefs,  the  jetty- 
hue  of  the  African,  or  the  copper  caft  of  the  Amcricaa 


nv^fA      rrf%T^v\ 


.„i.:„K 


il-_ 


riiii-ii    i-.Mi    mc  uxiHiiiai  cxiiuur  u* 


the  firft  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  or  which  might  be 
efteemed  the  moft  perfeft,  I  will  not  pretend  to  deter- 


min£ 


Many 


JjO 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Many  writers  have  aflerteJ,  that  the  Indians,  even 
at  the  matureft   period  of    their  exigence,  are  onl^r 
turnifhed  with  hair  on  their  heails  ;  and  that  notwith- 
itandmg  the  profufion  with  which  that  part   is  cov- 
ered,   thole    parts    which  among   tlic   inliabitants   of 
other  chmates  are  ufually  the  feat  of  tliis  excrefcence 
remain   entirely  free  from  it.     Even  Dr.  Robertfon' 
through  their  mifreprefentations,  has  contributed  to 
propagate  the  error;  and  fuppofmg  the  remark  juftlv 
tounded,  has  drawn  ieveral  conclulions  from  it  rel .- 
tive   to   the  habit  and   temperature  of  their  bodies 
which   are   confequently  invalid.     But   from   minute 
inquiries,  and  a  curious  infpeftion,  I  am  able  to  de- 
clare (however  refpeftable  I  may  hold  the  authority 
ot  thefe  hiftorians  in  other  points)  that  their  aflertions 
are   erroneous,    and  proceeding  from  the  want  of  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  cuftoms  of  *the  Indians. 

After  the  age  of  puberty,   their  bodies,  in  their  nat- 
ural ftate  are  covered  in  the  fame  manner  as  thofe 
ot  the  Europeans.      The  men,  indeed,  efteem  a  beard 
very   unbecoming,   and  take  great  pains  to  get  rid  of 
It,  nor  is  there  any  ever  to  be  perceived  on  their  faces 
except  when  they  grow  old  and  become  inattentive 
to  their  appearance.     Every  crinoue  efflorefcence  on 
the  other  parts  of  the  body  is  held  unfeemly  by  them, 
^'^tu  'tr  ^"^P^°^  much  time  in  their  extirpation. 

Ihe  Naudoweffies,  and  the  remote  nations,  pluck 
them  out  with  bent  pieces  of  hard  wood,  formed  into 
a  kind  of  nippers  :  whilft  thofe  who  have  communi- 
cation with  Europeans  procure  from  them  wire,  which 
they  twift  into  a  fcrew  or  worm;  applying  this  to  the 
part,  they  prefs  the  rings  together,  and  with  a  fuddeu 
twich  draw  out  all  the  hairs  that  are  enclofed  be- 
tween them. 

,.^J^f  ^^  of  every  nation  differ  in  their  drefs  very 
"tuc  li-Oix.  each  other,  except  thofe  who  trade  with 
the  Europeans  ^  thefe  exchange  their  furs  for  blank- 
ets, fhirts,  and  other  apparel,  which  they  wear  as- 

much 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


»3i 

iiiuch  for  ornament  «s  neceflltjr.  The  latter  faften 
by  a  g.  die  around  their  waifts  about  half  a  yard  of 
broadcloth  which  covers  the  middle  parts  oTtheir 
bodies  Ihofe  who  wear  flu'rts  never  make  them 
faft  ether  at  the  wrift  or  collar  ;  this  would  be  a  moft 
mfuflcrable  confinement  to  them.  They  throw  the  r 
blanket  oofe  upon  their  fl,oulders.  and^owL  the 
upper  fide  of  u  by  the  two  corners,  with  a  knffe  i^ 
one  hand,  and  a  tobacco  pouch,  pipe,  &c.  in  the 
other;  thus  accoutred  they  \valk  about  in 'hdr  tu! 

ttUer- r  '       '  ^"  '''''  '-'''''  '-'  ""'^"^^ 
Tbofe  among  the  men  who  wifh  to  appear  saver 
t.an  the  reft,  pluck  from  their  heads  allThe   ha^r 
except  from  a  fpot  on  the  top  of  it,  about  the  fue  of 
7;^\pece,  where  it  is  permitted  to  grow  to  a 
onfiderable  length:  on  this  are   faftened  plume    of 
f  thers  of  various  cok,urs,  with  filver  or  ivory   quillc 
ff  1  ""T'a  ^''•^^ '""!",S   and   ornamenting   this^  part 
oHhe  head  diftmguiihes  different  nation?  from  eS 

They  paint  their  faces  red  and  black,  which  thev 

fteem  as  greatly  ornamental.     They  alfo  paint  theiS 

fe  when  they  go  to  war;  but  the  m«hod    h^ 

make  ufe  of  on  this  occafion  differs  from  that  wherein 

tliey  ufe  it  merely  as  a  decoration. 

Ine  young  Indians,  who  are  defirous  of  excellinfr 
heir  companions  in  finery,    flit  the  outward  rim   of 
bodi  their  ears  ;  at  the  fame  time  they  take  ca"e  not 
to  feparate  them  entirely,  but  leave  the  Jiefh  this  cut 

mZTf"'^  '?°'^  extremities,  around  this  fpong^ 
^bftance,  from  the  upper  to  the  lower  part,  they  twS 

a  blVT.''"  '^"^Sht  dra.vs  the  amput  .ted  Cin 
a  bow  of  five  or  fix  inches  diameter,  and  drags  iTal- 

molt  down  fn  rh/>  fli«.,l^o»       rpu:-   i  .        .'»S»*t  al- 
io^*   L           '^~ •^"-^>      j-iiis  uccoration  iseiieem- 

ed  to  be  exceffively  gay  and  becoming. 

I  the^  noS°  '  T""""  '"?°"'  "^"°"g  t^^'"  *o  bore 
I  t-ieir  nofes,  and  wear  in  them  pendants  of  different 

forts. 


131 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


forts.  I  nbfervecl  that  fca  (hflls  were  much  worn  by 
thofe  of  the  interior  pnrts,  ami  reckoned  very  orna- 
mental ;  but  how  thty  procure  them  I  could  hot 
Jearn  ;  |)robably  by  their  traffic  with  other  nations 
nearer  the  fea. 

They  go  without  any  covering  for  the  thigh,  except 
that  bcforij  fpokcn  of,  round  the  middle  which  reaches 
<iown  half  way  the  thighs  ;  but  they  make  for  their 
legs  a  fort  of  IhKking,  either  of  Ikins  or  cloth  ;  thefe 
are  fcwed  as  near  to  the  (hape  of  tiie  leg  as  pofliblc, 
f )  as  to  admit  of  being  dr.^wn  on  and  off.  The  edges 
of  the  ftalf  of  which  tJiey  are  cninpofcd  are  left  annex- 
ed to  the  fcam,  and  nang  loofe  for  about  the  brcaiitli 
of  a  hand  j  and  this  pnrt  which  is  placed  cm  the  out 
fide  of  the  leg,  is  ^^cncrally  ornamcntetl  by  thofe  nho 
have  any  communication  with  Europeans,  if  of  dotli, 
with  ribands  or  lace,  if  of  leather,  with  embroidery, 
and  porcupine  quills  curioufly  coloured.  Strangers 
who  hunt  among  the  Indians,  in  the  parts  where  there 
is  a  great  deal  of  fnow,  find  thefe  ftockings  much  more 
convenient  than  any  others. 

Their  fhoes  are  made  of  the  fkin  of  the  deer,  elk, 
or  buffalo  :  thefe,  after  being  Ibmctimes  drefTcd  ac- 
cording to  the  European  manner,  at  others  with  the 
hair  remaining  on  them,  are  cut  into  fhoes,  and 
fafhioned  {o  as  to  be  eafy  to  the  feet,  and  convenient 
for  walking.  The  edges  round  the  ancle  are  t'oco- 
rated  witl\  j)ieces  of  brafs  or  tiii  fixed  around  kuher 
firings  about  an  inch  long,  which  being  placfxl  very , 
.  thick,  make  a  cheerful  tinkling  noife,  either  when 
they  walk  or  dance. 

The  women  wear  a  covering  of  fomc  kind  or  other 
from  the  neck  to  the  knees.  Thofe  who  trade  with 
the  Europeans  wear  a  linen  garment,  the  fame  as  that 
ufed  by  the  men  ;  the  flaps  of  which  hang  over  the 
petticoat.  Such  as  drefs  after  their  ancient  manner, 
make  a  kind  of  fliift  with  leather,  which  covers  the 
body  but  not  the  arms.     Their  petticoats  are  made 

either 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


»33 

tmmemorial.  ^  anceltors  from   time 

»bo„,  four  i„SZ;ad  il T"*  ,'T  I*""  i"««  "f 
fine  their  hair     Th«  l,e  ZZt  *^  "'"*"-»'  "« 

made  fo  as  ,o  oafsTn^k      '         .""'  narro,,er,  and 
inthismanner'^thevftftl''?  ""1"  "■'  <"'«'•.  »™I 

But  the  women  that  live  to  the  we{^  nfT'^r^iL^     " 
%',  viz.  the  Naudoweffierthe  I/T  •     ,*^<,***^ 
yide  their  hair  m  the  middle  of  the  head    .nH  f 
It  into  two  rolls,  onp  n      .a       V     "^*°>  ana  form 

wH(^     T,*^7  "^'^'^e^  long,  .„d  as  large^  thdr 

frontfeaKnUVef^^T'r^^^''"^ 

of  it.  '"'  ^"^  ^'^^^"^  ^'  far  as  the  lower  p^. 

of  NntTS  ^  ^-^'-^'genenilty  place:  a.  ipot 
times  a  feafrtH/lP*'"If"  *^^^  l«ir,li,dfom^ 

become  tL^l'ST'r^^^  with. which  they 
^  Fwions,  tnaa  to  the  accoi^iooda^on  of 


«34 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


their  huts  or  tents.     They  conftrudl  the  latter  in  the 
following  fimple  and  expeditious  manner. 

Being  provided  with  poles  of  a  proper  length,  they 
faften  two  of  thcni  acrofs,  near  their  ends,  with  bands 
made  of  bark.  Having  done  this,  they  raife  them 
«p,  and  extend  the  bottom  of  each  as  wide  as  they 
propofe  to  make  the  area  of  the  tent  :  they  then  erea 
others  of  an  equal  height,  and  fix  them  fo  as  to  fup- 
port  the  two  principal  ones,  pn  the  whole  they  lay 
iltins  of  the  elk  or  de.€r,  fewed  together,  in  quantity 
fufficient  lo  covci-  the  poles,  and  by  lapping  over  to 
form  the  door.  A  great  number  of  Ikins  are  fome- 
tiracs  required  for  this  purpofe,  as  fome  of  their  tents 
are  very  capacious^  That  of  the  chief  warrior  of  the 
NawdowelEes  was  at  leaft  forty  feet  in  circumference, 
and  veily  commodious.. 

h  .They  Abferve  no  regularity  in  fixing  their  tents 
wlien  they  encamp,  hut  pUce  them  juft  as  it  fuits 
*  their  ciinvcniency. 

The  huts  Alfo,  which  thofe  who  ufc  not  tents,  eredt 
whenj  they  travel,  for  very  few  tribes  have  fixed  abodes, 
or  regular  towns,  or  villages,  are  equally  fimple,  and 
«Ii»bft  as  foon  conftrufted. 

They  fix  fmail  pliable  poles  in  the  ground,  and 
bending  them  till  they  meet  at  the  top  and  form  a 
femicircH  then  lafli  them  together.  Thefe  they 
cover  with  mats  ,made  of  ruflies  platted,  or  with  birch 
btrk^  wfhich.they,  carry  with  tliem  in  their  canoes  for. 

tkis  purpbfe..  ,  .      .  .    , 

Thefe  cabins  have  neither  chunmes  nor  windows  i 
.^cre  is  only  a  fmall  aperture  left  in  the  middle  of  the 
itoofs  through  which  the  fmoke  is  difcharged,  but 
as  this  is  obliged  to  be  ftopped  up  when  it  rains  or 
fxiows  molcnlly,  th&  fmoke  then  proves  exceedingly 


They  lie! on  fkins,  generally  thofe  of  the  bear, 
vhidi  arc  placed  in  rowsQn  the  ground  j  and  it  the 
fiow  is  net  large  enough  to  contain  beds  fuflicient  for 


CARVER'S  rKAVELSi 


»33* 


flie  accommodation  of  the  wliole  £.nm\y,  a  frame  Is 
ereaed  about  four  or  five  feet- from  the  ground  in 
which  the  younger  part  of  it  fleep. 

As  the  habitations  of  the  Indians  are  thus  rude, 
tlieir  domeftic  titenfils  are  kw  in  numbfef,  and  plain 
m  tlieir  formation.  The  tools  wherewith  they  falh- 
ion  them  are  fo  aukward  and  defeaive,  that  it  is  not 
only  impoffible  to  form  them  with  any  degree  of  neat- 
nefs  or  elegance,  but  the  time  reqiiired  in  the  execui- 
tion  is  fo  confiderable,  as  to  deter  them  from  enqaging 
in  the  manufa^ure  of  fuch  as  are  not  abfolutely  nec^ 
eJary.  ^ 

The  Naudoweffies  mafce  the  pot^  in  which  theV 
boil  their  vic-liials  of  the  black  clay  or  ftone  mention^ 
ed  m  my  journal  :  which  rcflfts  the  efFeas  of  fire' 
nearly  as  well  as  iron.  When  they  roaft,  if  it  is  a 
large  joint,  or  a  whole  animal,  fuch  as  a  beaver,  th«y 
fix  It  as  Europeans  do,  on  a  fpit  made  of  hard  wottct 
and  placing  the  ends  on  two  forked  props',  mw  and 
then  turn  ^  it.  If  the  piece  is  fmaller  they  fpit  it  as 
before,  and  fixmg  the  fpit  in  an  ereft  but  flanting 
pofition,  with  the  meat  inclining  towards  the  fire 
frequently  change  the  fides,  till  every  part  is  fuffi! 
ciently  roafted.  ^  ^ 

They  make  their  difhes  in  which'  they  ferve  up 
their  meat,  and  their  bowls  and  pans,  out  of  the  knot- 
ty excrescences  of  the  maple  tree  or  any  other  wood, 
ihey  tafhion  thevr  fpoons  with  a  tolerable  degree  of 
nealnefs  (as  thefe  require  much  lefs  trouble  than  large 
utenfiis)  from  a  wood  that  is  termed   in   Americl 
ftpoon  W^ood,  and  which  greatly  refembles  boxwood. 
Every  tribe  are  now  po/TefTed  of  knives,  aAd*  ftcels 
to  ftnke  fire  with.     Thefe  being  fo  eflentially  need- 
m  tor  the  common  ufes  of  life,  thnfe  -sK.-.  K-.-.=l  ^.-,t  ..^ 
immediate  communication  with  the  European  frader^! 
purchafe  them  of  fuch  of  their  neighbors  as  are  fituat- 
ed  nearer  the  fettlements,  arid   generallv  give  in  ex. 
change  for  them  flaves.  .   3   <=  »«  ex. 

CHAP.  UI. 


J  3^ 


CARVER'S  TRAVEI^. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ft 

^P^rn  MANNERS,  ^UALIFICATIONSy  (jv. 

>^  HEN  the  Indian  women  fit  down,  they 
place  themfelves  in  a  decent  attitude,  with  their  knees 
clofe  together  \  but  from  being  accuftomcd  to  this 
pofture,  they  walk  badly,  and  appear  to  be  lame. 

They  have  no  midwives  among  them,  their  climate, 
or  fome  peculiar  happinefs  in  their  conftitutions,  ren- 
dering s^ny  affiftance  at  that  time  unnccefiary.    On 
thofe  cccafions  they  are  confined  but  a  few  hours  from 
their  uljjal  employments,  which  are  commonly  very 
^^Jgrioa^,  as  the  men,  who  are  remarkably  indolent, 
^re!^.i^Jthcm  every  kind  of  drudgery  j  even  in  their 
huntirtg;  parties  the  former  will  not  deign  to  bring 
home  the  game,  but  fend  their  wives  for  it,  though  it 
lies  at  a  very  conliderable  dif^ce. 
,    The  women  place  their  Ibildren  foon  after  they 
m  born  on  boards  fluffed  with  foft  mofs,  fuch  as  is 
found  in  moraffes  or   meadows.     The  child  is  laid 
on  its  back  in  one  of  this  kind  of  cradles,  and  being 
wrapped  in  Ikins  or  cloth  to  keep  it  warm,  is  fecured 
an  it  by  fmall  bent  pieces  of  timber. 
\*'^To  tliefe  machines  they  faften  firings,  by  which 
thejf  hang  them  to  branches  of  trees  j  or,  if  they  find 
ixK^t  trees  at  haml,  faflen  them  to  a  flump  or  flone, 
whilft  they  t^anfaa  any  needful   bufmefs.      In  this 
pofltion  are  the  children  kept  for  fome  months,  when 
they  are  taken  out,  the  boys  are  fuffered  to  go  naked, 
mid  the  girls  are  covered,  from  the  neck  to  the  knees, 

mMi4-f>     «     {VAC'.   ^^*»  J     f*    /U  -^— ^     ___i.i?- -^.-^j.  • 

The  Indian  women  are  remarkably  decent-  during 
their  nienflrual  illnefs.  Thofe  nations  that  are  moil 
remote  from  the  European  fettlements,  as  the  Nau- 

doweffics. 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  137 

doweffies,  &c.  are  more  particularly  attentive  to  this 
point }  though  they  all,  without  exception,  adhere  in 
fome  degree  to  the  fame  cuftom. 

In  every  femp  or  town  there  is  an  apartment  ap- 
propriated for  tb'ir  retirement  at  this  ilrue,  td  which 
both  fingle  and  married  retreat,  and  feclude  them- 
felves  with  the  utmoft  ftrianefs  during  this  period 
from  all  fociety.  Afterwards  they  purify  themfelves 
m  running  ftream's,  and  return  to  their  di/Tcrent  em- 
ployments. 

The  men  on  thefe  occafions  moil  carefully  avoid 
holding  any   communication    with   them^    and   the 
Naudoweflzes   are   fo   r"  id  ;«  this  o-Bfervance,   that 
they  will  not  fuffe.        ^  belonging  to  them  to  fetch 
fuch  things   as  tc  r.-xeflliry,  even  fire,  from  thefe 
female  lunar  retreads,  though  the  want  of  them  is  at- 
tended with  the  greateft   inconvenience.     They  are 
alfo  fo  fuperftitious  as  to  think,  if  a  pipeflem  cracks, 
which  among  them  ,s  made  of  .wc^od,  that  the  pof- 
Mbr  has  either  lighted  it  at  on.,  of  thefe  polluted 
Jres,  or  held   fome  converfe  wita  a  womaa  during 
her  retirement,  which  is  cfieemed  by  them  mofl  dift 
graceful  and  wicked. 

The  Indians  are  extremely  circumfpcft  and  delib- 
erate m  every  word  and  aaio'n  ;  therein,  nothing  tha^ 

mrt..'     T  T°  '"^  ^"temperate  warmth,  bu?  that 
nveteracy  to  their  encipies,  which  is  rooted  in  every 

othrinft''''* '""^  ''''''   ""  ^'  eradicated,     in  i 

tinuT    "/^.^""^■^'^<^y  are  cool,  :and  remarkably  ca#^ 

.ous     akmg  care  not  to  betray  on  any  account  wha^ 

ilTt  .P' /^""''T-      ^^  ^"  ^"^'^"  ^^«  difcovered 
that  a  friend  ,s  m  danger  of  being  intercepted  and  cut 

ini  ^1,  ?  '^^'''"?  H^  has-rendered  himfclf  obnox- 
ri\^/l°"r^  "^.^^^"^  1""^  in  plain  and  explicit 
n7.rX  "^.^''^"^^'""c  runs  by  purlumg  the  track 
Scooi;^  ^  enemy  lies  in  wail  for.  him,  but  ^ 
hrft  cool  y  afks  him  which  way  he  is  goin^  that  day  ? 
^d  hmng  received  his  anfwer,  with  th/fame  inJ^ ' 

ference 


138. 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


f- -^eiKC  tells  him  that  he  has  been  informed  that  a 
dog  Jies  near  the  fpot,  which  might  probably  do  him 
a  mifchief.      This   hint   proves    fuificient  ;' and  his 
friend  avoids  the  danger  with  as  much  caution  as  if 
evci^y  defign  3nd  motion,  of  his  enemy  Li.d  been  point- 
ed owt -to  hint.  ;  tr,  V;Sfc«»tl»-r  f.9:»v  '        ! 
*  This   apathy  often  ihCvvi   iefelf  on  occ.ifions  that 
woii'  I  call  forth  all  the  fervor  of  a  fufceptible  heart. 
If.  an  Indian    has    been    abfent  froln  his 'family  and 
friends    many    months,    either  on  a  war  or  hunting 
party,  wh^  his  wife  and  children  meet  him  at  fome 
diftance  from  his  habitation,  inftead  of  the  afFe£lionate 
feniatians  that  would  naturally  arife  in  the  breail  of 
more  rciined  beings,.imd  be  protluftive  of  mutual  con- 
grafelationj,  lie  continues  his  courfe  without  paying 
the  leaft  attention  to  thofe  who  furround  him,  till  he 
arrives  at  his  home. 

He  there  fits  down,  and  with  the  fame  unconcern 
aj  if  he  had  not  been  abfent  a  day,  fmokes  his  pipe  ; 
thofe  of  his  acquaintance  whb  followed  him,  do  the 
iame  ;  and, perhaps  it  is  ievcral  hours  before  he  relates 
to  thfim  theiiocidetits  which  have  befallen  him  during 
his    abience,    though    perhaps    he  has  left  a   father, 
Iwother,  or  fern  on  the  field,  whofe  lofs  he  ought  to 
have  lamented,  or  has  been  umViccefsful  in  the  under- 
taking that  called  him  from  his  home. 
5, -Has    aa    Indian   been    engaged  for  fcveral  days  in 
the  cbac4  or  on  any  other  laborious  expedition,  and 
bpiaccident  continued  thus  l^ng  without  food,  when 
he  arrivt^  at  the  hut,  or  teat  of  a  friend  where   he 
knows  his  wants  may   be    iftimediately    fupplied,   he 
takes  cane  not  to  fliow  tlie  leaft  fyniptoms  of  impa- 
tience,  or  to  betray  the  extreme  hunger  by  which  he 
is  tortured  f.  but  on  being  invited  in,  fits  coctented- 
If  dowai^^aad.  fmokes  his  nine  with  as  mach  comiio- 
fnm  as  if  every  appetite  was  allayed,  and  Iw  was  per- 
k&\f  H  eafei  he  does  the  fame  if  among  ftrangers. 
"Ebis  cwAom  is  ili-JiTlly  adhered 


by  every  tribe 


they 


r>h  'rr«mnn„ 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  t^^ 

they  efteem  it  a  proof  of  fortitude,  and  think  the  re- 
verfe  would  entitle  them  to  the  appellation  of  old 
women. 

If  you  tell  an  Indian  that  his  children  have  grcatlv 
ngnahzed  themfelves  againft  an  enemy,  have  taken 
many  fcalps,  and  brought  home  many  prifonen,  he 
does  not  appear  to  feel  any  extraordinary  plcafure  on 
the  occafion  j  his  anfwer  generally  is,  « it  is  welL"  and 
he  makes  very  little  inquiry  about  it.  On  the  contra- 
ry, if  you  mform  him  that  his  children  are  flain  or 
taken  prifoners,  he  makes  no  complaints,  he  only 
replies,  «  it  does  not  fignify  j"  and  probably,  for  forae 
time  at  lealt,  afks  not  how  it  happened. 

Thwfeeming  indifference,  however,  does  not  pro- 
ceed fk-om  an  entire  fupprcffion  of  the  natural  afrec 
tions  i  for  notwithftanding  they  are  efteemed  favages, 
I  never  faw  among  any  other  people  greater  proofe  of 
parental  or  filial  tendem:^r9  j  and  ahhough  they  meet 
their  wives  after  a  long  abfence  with  the  ^oical  indif. 

fo-encejuft  mentioned,  they  are  not,  in  geneial,  ^oid 
ot  conjugal  affeftion.  ,, 

Another  peculiarity  is  obfervatde  in  their  nianncr 
of  paying  their  vifits.  If  an  Indian  goes  to  vifit  a  . 
particular  perfc.  in  a  family,  he  mentions  to  whom 
bis  y,fit  ,s  int«ided,  and  the  reft  of  tl»e  family  im* 
mediately  retiring  to  the  other  end  of  the  hut  or  tent, 
are  careful  not  to  come  near  enough  to  intemipt  them 
during  the  whole  of  the  converfation.  T^  fame 
method  IS  purfued  if  a  man  goes  to  pay  his  h:fpe£te  to 
one  of  the  other  fex  -,  but  then  he  mui^  be  c^ul  not 
to  let  love  be  the  fuyea  of  his  difcourfe^  whilft  the 
daylight  remains.  .,..*- 

The  Indians  difcover  an  amaaing  %citT,  and  ac 

S  ""'t  '^^  S'i***^  ^e^<i'"e^»  anything  that  dc- 
I  j-.=  t:pu«  lae  aitGiiiioii  of  the  mind.  J5y  expcri'.adc 
and  .„  acute  cbfervation,  they  attain  m«iy  pc^o- 
^ons  to  which  Europeans  are  ftrangers.  For  in^ 
«ance,  they  will  crofs  a  foreft  or  a  plain  which  is 

two 


140 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


two  hundred  miles  in  breadth,  and  reach  with  great 
exaftnefs  the  point  at  which  they  intend  to  arrive 
keeping  during  the  whole  of  that  fpace  in  a  direft 
line,  without  ahy  material  deviations  j  and  this  they 
will  do  with  the  fame  cafe,  whether  the  weather  be 
fair  or  cloudy. 

With  equal  acutenefs  will  they  point  to  that  part 
of  the  heavens  the  fun  is  in,  though  it  be  intercept- 
ed by  clouds  or  fogs.  Befides  this,  they  are  able  to 
purfue  with  incredible  facility  the  traces'  of  man  or 
beaft,  cither  on  leaves  or  grafs  ;  and  on  this  account 
it  is  with  great  difficulty  a  flying  enemy  efcapes  dif- 
covery. 

They  are  indebted  for  thefe  talents  not  only  to  na- 
ture, but  to  an  extraordinary  command  of  <^he  intel- 
leftual  faculties,  which  can  only  be  acquired  by  an 
unremitted  attention,  and  by  long  experience. 

They  are  in  general  very  happy  in  a  retentive  mem- 
ory i  they  can  recapitulate  every  particular  that  has 
been  treated  of  in  council,  and  remember  the  exaft 
time  when  thefe  wer?,^eld.  Their  belts  of  wampum 
preferve  the  fubftance  of  the  treaties  they  have  con- 
cluded with  the  neighboring  tribea  for  ages  back, 
to  which  they  will  appeal,  and  refer  with  as  much 
perfpicuity  and  readinefs  as  Europeans  can  to  their 
written  records. 

Every  nation  pays  great  refpeft  to  old  age.  The 
advice  of  a  father  will  feldom  meet  with  any  extraor- 
dinary attention  from  the  young .  Indians,  probably 
they  receive  it  with  only  a  bar.;  aflent  j  but  they  will 
tremble  before  a  grandfather,  and  fubmit  to  his  in- 
junaion  with  the  Jtmoft  alacrity.  The  words  of  the 
ancient  part  of  their  community  are  efteemed  by  the 
young  as  oracles.  If  they  take  during  their  hunting 
parties  any  game  that  is  reckoned  by  them  uncom- 
monly delicious,  it  .Js  immediately  prefented  to  the 
eldeft  of  their  relations. 

They 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


141 


They  never  fuffer  themfelves  to  be  overburdened 
with  care,  but  hve  in  a  ftate  of  perfe^  tranquillity 
and  contentment.  Being  naturally  indolent,  if  provi- 
iion  juft  fufficient  for  their  fubflftence  can  pc  procured 
with  httle  trouble,  and  near  at  hand,  they  wiH  not  go 
for,  or  take  any  extraordinary  pa'ns  for  it,  though  by 
fo  doing  they  might  acquire  greiitcr  plenty,  and  of  a 
more  eftimable  kind. 

Having  much  leifure  time  they  indulge  tliis  Indo,. 
lence  to  which  they  are  fo  prone,  by  eating,  drinking. 
crfleeping,  and  rambling  about 'in  their  towns  oi 
camps.  But  when  xieceffity  obliges  them  to  take  the 
field,  eitho-  to  oppofe  an  enemy,  •  or  to  procure  tliem- 
ielvcs  food,  they  are  alert  and  indefatigable.  Many 
inftances  of  their  ailivity,  on  thefe  occafiom,  wiU  be 
given  when  I  treat  of  their  wurs. 

The  infatuating  fpirit  of  gaming  is  not  coniined  to 
*.uropc;  the  Indians  aUb  feel  the  bewitching  impulfc 
and  often  lofe  their  arms,  their  apparel,  aud  everr 
thing  they  are  poffe0ed  of.  In  this  cafe,  however, 
they  do  not  follow  the  example  of  more  refined  gamef- 
tcrs,  tor  they  neither  murmur  nor  repine  ;  not  a  fret- 
t!.:  word  efcapes  them,  but  they  bear  the  frowns  of 
fortune  with  a  philofophic  compofure. 

The  greateft  blemifli  in  their  charader  is  that  fav- 
age  difpofatjon  which  impels  them  to  treat  their 
enemies  with  a  fcverity  every  other  nation  fhudders 
at.  13ut  If  they  are  thus  barbarous  to  thofe  with 
Whom  they  are  at  war,  they  are  friendly,  hofpitablc, 
and  humane  in  peace.  It  may  with  truth  be  faid  of 
"lem,  that  they  are  the  worft  enemies,  and  the  beft 
tnaids,  of  any  people  in  the  whole  world. 

The  Indians  in  general  are  (bangers  to  the  paffion 
otjeaioufy  ;  and  brand  a  man  with  follv  that  U  d.T- 
inutrul  of  his  wife.  Among  fome  biicfe  the  very 
'tiea  IS  not  known  ;  as  the  moft  abandoned  of  their 
>oung  men  very  rarely  attempt  the  virtue  or  married 
women,  nor  do  thefe  often  put  themfelves  in  the 


wav 


142 


carver's  travi:ls. 


way  of  folicitation.     Yet  the  Indian  women  in  gener 
al  are  of  an  amorous  temperature,  and   before  they 
are  married  arc  not  tlic  lefs  efteemed  for  the  indul- 
gence  of  their  paflions. 

■  The  Indians  in  their  common^  ftatc  are  ftrangers  to 
all  diltmaton  of  property,  except  in  the  articles  of 
domeftic  ufe,  which  every  one  confidcrs  as  his  own 
and  nicreafes  as  circumflances  admit.  They  are  ex' 
tremely  hberal  to  each  other,  and  fupply  the  defi- 
ciency of  their  friends  with  any  fuperfluity  of  their 
own.  *       *  y  V* 

In  dangers  thoy  readily .  give  affiftance  to  t!iofe  of 
their  band,  who  ftand  in  need  of  it,  without  anv  ex- 
peitation  of  return,  except  of  thofe  juft  rewards  that 
are  a  ways  conferred  by  the  Indians  on  merit.  Gov- 
erned by  the  plain  and  equitable  hws  of  nature,  every 
one  js  rewarded  folely  according  to  his  deferts ;  and 
their  equahity  of  condition,  manners  and  privileges. 
With  that  conftant  and  fociable  familiarity  which 
l^.vaib  throughout  every  Indian  nation,,  animates 
them  with  a  pure  and  truly  patriotic  fpirit,  that  tends 
to  the  general  good  of  the  fociety  to  which  they  be- 

If  any  of  then-  neighbors  are  bereaved  by  death, 

rwl  ''^  ^^"'y  ""^  ^^'^'^'^  children,  thofe  who  are  pof- 
lefled  of  the  greateft  number  offlaves,  fupply  the  dc- 
ftciency  j  and  thefe  are  adopted  by  them,  and  treated 
m  every  refpeft  as  if  they  really  were  the  children  of 
the  perion  to  whom  they  are  prefented. 

The  Indians,  except  thofe  who  live  adjoininT  to 
the  European  colonies,  can  form  to  themfclves"  no 
Idea  of  the  value  of  money;  they  confider  it  when 
they  are  madis  acquainted  with  the  ufes  to  which  it 
IS  applied  by  other  nations,  as  the  fource  of  innumer- 
able  evils.  To  it  they  attribute  all  the  mischiefs  that 
are  prevalent  among  Europeans,  fuch  "as  "treachery, 
plundering,  devaftations,  and  murder. 

.  They 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ,43 

Jhej  efteem  it  irrational  that  one  man  fliould  be 
pofT^fTed  of  a  greater  quantity  than  another,  and' are 
amazed  that  any  honor  flxould  be  annexed  to  the  pof- 
^ffion  of  It.  But  that  the  want  of  this  ufelefs  metal 
ihould  be  the  caufe  of  depriving  perlbns  of -their  Hber- 
ty,  and  that  on  account  of  this  partial  diftribution  of 
It,  great  numbers  ihould  be  immured  within  the  drea- 
ry walls  of  a  pnfon,  cut  off  from  that  fodety  of  wliich 
they  conftitute  a  part,  exceeds  their  belief.  Nor  do 
they  fail,  on  hearing  this  part  of  the  European  fyftem 
of  government  related,  to  charge  the  inltitutors  of  it 
with  a  total  want  of  humanity,  and  to  brand  them  with 
the  names  of  favages  and  brute*. 

They  fhew  almoft  an  equal  degree  of  indifference 
for  the  productions  of  art.     When  any  of  thefe  are 
fliewn  them,  they  fay,  «  It  is  pretty,  I  like  to  look  at 
It,    but  are  not  mquifitive  about  the  conftruftion  of 
4t,  neither  can  they  form  proper  conceptions  of  its  ufc. 
But  if  you  tell  them  of  a  perfon  who  is  able  to  run 
with  great  agility,  that  is  well  Ikilled  in  hunting,  can 
dKeft,w4th  unerring  aim,  a  gun,  or  bend  with  eafe  a 
bow,  that  can  dexteroufly  w^rk  a  caiK>e,  underftands 
the  art  of  war,  is  acquainted  with  the  fituation  .of  a 
country,   and  can  make   his    way    without  a  rruide, 
through  an  immenfe  foreft,  fubfifting  during  this  on  a 
maU  quantitjj  of  prayifions,  they  are  in  raptures :  they 
Mten  with  great  attention  to  the  pleafmg  tale,  and  hi 
Jtow  the  higheft  commendations  on  the  hero  of  it. 


CHAP. 


I'lf^W*!!  ■ 


144 


CARVER'S  TRAVEJJS. 


CHAPTER    IV. 


THEIR  METHOD  OF  RECKONING  TIME,  life, 

v>ONSIDERTNG  their  ignorance  of  aftronomy, 
time  is  very  rationally  divided  by  the  Indians.  Thofe 
in  the  interior  parts  (and  of  thofe  I  would  generally  be 
underftood  to  fpeak)  ci  unt  .heir  years  by  wimers  ;  or, 
as  they  exprefs  themfelvcs,  by  fnows. 

Some  nations  among  them  reckon  their  years  by 
moons,  and  make  them  confift  of  twelve  fynodical  or 
lunar  months,  obferving,  when  thirty  moons  have 
waned,  to  add  a  fupcrnumary  one,  which  tliey  term 
the  Loft  Moon  ;  and  then  begin  to  count  as  before. 
They  pay  a  great  regard  to  the  iirft  appearance  of 
every  moon,  and  on  the  occafion  always  repeat  feme 
joyful  founds,  ftretching  the  fame  time  their  hands  to- 
wards it. 

Kvery  month  has  with  them  a  name  expreffive  of 
its  feafon  j  for  inftance,  they  call  the  month  of  March 
(in  which  their  year  generally  begins  at  the  firft  New 
Moon,  after  the  vernal  Equinox)  the  Worm  Month 
or  Moon  ;  becaufe  at  this  time  the  worms  quit  tlieir 
retreats  in  the  bark  of  the  trees,  wood,  &c.  where  they 
have  (heltered  themfelves  during  the  winter. 

The  month  of  April  is  termed  by  them  the  Month 
of  Plants.  May,  the  Month  of  Flowers.  June,  the 
Hut  Moon.  July,  the  Buck  Moon.  Their  reafon  for 
thus  denominating  thefe  is  obvious. 

:4»guft,  the  Sturgeon  Moon  j  becaufe  in  this  month 
they  catch  great  numbers  of  that  fifli. 

September,  the  Corn  Moon,  becaufe  in  that  month 

they  gather  in  their  Indian  corn. 

/vxv^u^>   ii.«  nr 11: Tv/r .     .1  ^ ■>       _    .  .1'. 

■5— "^"-trvi,  liiv    X  I  u  veiling  XTZUUII  j    as  lilcy    iCSVu  at  tilS 

time  their  villages,  and  travel  towards  the  place  where 
tthey  intend  to  hunt  during  the  winter. 

November, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


'4; 

November,  tlie  Beaver  Moon  •  for  :,.  .1  • 
the  beavers  befiin  ,„  take  a!fZ  ■„  fhei    ho,'!""?""' 

;;?  "on"" ' "''"'"' "-  °^p^-,?oTs  ;r.t':r 
hi-^a'ibeS'^.^r'idrr^r-- 

any  other  month.  ^^  '°  ^'^'^  than  la 

February,  they  call  the  Snow  Moon    hpr.»r 

:;heH:^rTi^^^^^  ^-^"^  ti^rnutthi-- 

.akcd  day..     The  Moou'ilft  ^'tlt^ih    'I  *''" 
Its  coming  to  life  .again.  appearance  they  term 

They  make  no  diviiion  of  weeks  •  hut  A.,     .t, 
count  by  fleeps  ;  half  days  by  poSina  to  f^^V^^y 
noon  ;  and  quarters  by  IheliCmT.nyX         -^"^  ^ 

thirte  r.^ /  "Y"^  ""  i^eir  Dirch  bark  v^rv  exnfl- 

Charts  or  maps  of  the  countries  witli  which  ,h„ 
fcquamted.     The  latitude  and  lonciudi !  i     '^    '^ 
'"g  to  make  them  tolerably  co„,p,X       "  ""j^  *=■"- 

about  twenty  Ennlifh  mii^T    T^f  ^  ',  ^PP^^^s  to  be 

;mo  halves  4dT»«erT.td  31l"l?^  * -"^id^ 

»i  iiicir  mans  wi>K  rr-ao*'  -     j:y"'A  "'-"'"^"^""fe  ifitcin 

tJieir  war  parties  0^?^       J  I-/^^"^^^     *"  «^°"n"l 
fions.       ^   ^''*  °'  *^'^"  ^^ft  diftant  hunting  excuiv 

-  Ihtj 


•J4<5 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


i 


They  have  no  idea  of  aritlvmetic  ;  and  tl\ough  they 
urc  able  to  count  to  any  number,  figures  as  well  as 
letters  appear  myftcrious  to  them,  and  above  their 
comprehenfion. 

During  iiif  abode  with  the  Naudoweffies,  fome  of 
the  chiefs  obferving  one  day  a  draft  of  an  cclipfe  of 
the  moon,  in  a  book  of  aftronomy  which  I  held  in 
my  liand,  they  dcCred  I  would  permit  them  to  lock 
at  it.  Happening  to  give  them  the  book  ihut,  they 
began  to  count  the  leaves  till  they  came  to  the  place 
in  which  the  plate  was.  After  they  'ad  viewed  it, 
and  aiked  many  queftions  relative  to  it,  I  tol'  them 
they  need  not  to  have  taken  fo  much  pains  to  find 
the  leaf  on  wlvich  it  was  drawn,  for  J  could  not  only 
tell  in  an  jbftant  the  place,  without  counting  the 
leaves,  but  alfo  how  many  preceded  it. 

They  ieemed  greatly  amazed  at  my  affertion,  and 
begged  that  I  would  demonftrate  to  them  the  poffi- 
bility  of  doing  it.  To  this  purpofe  I  defired  the  chief 
that  held  the  book,  to  open  it  at  any  particular  place, 
and  juft  fliewing  me  the  page  carefully  to  conceal 
the  edges  of  the  leaves,  fo  that  I  jnight  not  be  able  to 
count  them. 

This  he  did  with  the  greateft  cantion  ;  notwith^ 
(landing  which,  by  looking  at  the  folio  I  told  him, 
to  his  great  furprife,  the  number  of  leaves.     He  count- 


was 


;ins 


ed  them  regularly  ^ver,  and  difcovered  that 
cxafl.  And  when,  after  repeated  trials,  the  lad 
found  I  could  do  it  with  great  readinefs,  and  without 
ever  erring  iu  my  jcalculalion,  they  all  feemed  as 
much  aftonifhed  m  if  I  had  raifed  the  dead.  The 
only  way  they  could  account  for  my  knowledge,  was 
by  concluding  that  the  book  was  a  fpirit,  and  whif- 
pered  me  anfwers  to  whatever  I  demanded  of  it. 

J^ofe  who  are  lefs  illiterate,  contributed  to  increafc 
my  confequence,  and  to  augment  the  favorable  opin- 
jpfi  they  already  entertJiined  of  me. 

CHAP»  V' 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS; 


»4T 


CHAP.  V. 


Of  THEIR  GOVERNMENT^  (sV. 

\  l^VER Y  feparate  body  of  ',;  V'^nj  is  divi Jecf 
mto  bands  or  tribes  j  which  ba^u  or  ''.be  forms  a 
little  community  with  the  nation  :o  whvzh  '!:  belongsi 
As  the  nation  has  fome  ixirticuU"  -aibol  by  whicji 
it  is  diftinguiihed  from  others,  fo  '■  h >i  .iibe  has  a 
badge  from  which  it  is  denominctei;  ,  as  that  of  the 
Eagle,  the  Panther,  the  Tiger,  the  Buffalo,  &c.  ^. :. 
One  band  of  the  Naudowcilles  is  reprefented  by  a 
Snake,  another  a  Tortoife,  a  third  a  Squirrel,  a  fourth 
a  Wolf,  and  a  fifth  a  buffalo.  Throughout  every 
nation  they  particularize  themfelves  in  the  fame  man- 
ner, and  the  meaneft  perfon  among  them  will  remem- 
ber his  lineal  defcent,  and  diftinguifb  himlelf  by  his 
refpeftive  family. 

Did  not  many  circumftances  fend  to  confute  thff 
fuppofition,  I  fliould  be  almoll  induced  to  conclude 
from  this  diftinftion  of  tribes,  and  the  particular  at- 
tachment of  the  Indians  to  them,  that  they  derive 
Uieir  origin,  as  fome  have  afferted,  from  the  Ifraelites. 

Befides  this,  every  nation  dillinguilh  themfclves  b) 
the  manner  of  conftrufting  their  tents  or  huts.  And 
fo  well  verfed  are  all  |he  Indians  in  this  diftindlion, 
that  though  there  appears  to  be  no  difference  on  the 
niceft  obfervation  made  by  an  European,  yet  they 
will  immediately  difcover,  fror;  the  pofition  of  a  pole 
left  in  the  ground^  what  nation  has  encamped  on  the 
fpot  many  months  before. 

Every  baiiu  has  a  chief  who  is  termed,  the  Great 
Chief  or  the  Chief  Warrior  ;  and  who  is'  chofen  in 
conlideration  of  his  experience  in  war,  and  of  his  ap- 
proved valor,  to  direft  tlieir  militiu-y  opesation*^  and 


J4i 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


to  regulate  all  concerns  belonging  to  that  department,  - 
Biit  this  chief  is  not  confidered  as  the  head  of  the 
ft  ate  ;  be  (ides  the  great  warrior  who  is  ele(n:ed  for 
his  warlike  qualifications,  there  is  another  who  en- 
joys a  pre-eminence  as  his-  hereditary  right,  and  has 
the  mere  immediate  management  of  their  civil  affairs. 
This  chief  might  with  great  propriety  be  denominated 
fhe  Sachem  ;  whofe  aflent  is  neccflary  in  all  convey- 
ances and  treaties,  to  which  he  affixes  the  mark  of  the 
tribe  or  nation. 

Though  thefe  two  are  confidered  as  the  heads  of 
the  band,  and  the  latter  is  ufually  denominated  their 
king,  yet  the  Indians  are  fenfible  of  neither  civil  or 
military  fubordination.  As  every  one  of  them  enter- 
tains a  high  opinion  of  his-  confequence,  and  is  ex- 
tremely tenacious  of  his  liberty,  all  injunctions  that 
catry  with  them  the  appearance  of  a  pofitive  com- 
mand, are  inftantly  rejected  with  {corn. 

On  this  account,  it  is  feldom  that  their  leaders  are 
fo  indilcreet  as  to  give  out  afty  of  their  orders  in  a 
peremptory  ftilp  ;  a  bare  hint  from  a  chief  that  he 
thinks  fach  a  thing  ixecefTary  to  be  done,  inftantly 
aroufes  an  emulation  among  the  inferior  ranks,  and 
it  is  immediatly  executed  with  great  alacrity.  By 
this  method  the  difguftful  part  of  the  command  is 
evaded,  and  an  authority  that  falls  little  fhort  of  ab- 
solute fway  inftituted  in  its  room. 

Among  the  Indians  no  vifible  form  of  gov'ernment 
is  eftabliihed  ;  they  allow  of  »o  fuch  diftinftion  as 
magiftrate  and  fubjedl,  every  one  -appearing  to  enjoy 
an  independence  that  cannot  be  controlled.  The  ob- 
je^  of  government,  among  them  is  rather  foreign  than 
domeftic,  for  their  attention  feeras  more  to  be  employ- 
ed -1  preferving  fuch  an  union  among  the  members 
cr  lacir  liiDc  as  wiii  cnauic  Lucm  lo  waich  fiic  mo- 
tions of  their  enemies,  and  aft  againft  them  with 
CGI.  jrt  and  vigor,  than  to  maintain  interior  order 
by  any  public  regulations.     If  a  fcheme  that  appears 

to 


CARVERS  TkAVlJlLS: 


uy' 


h  be  of  fervlce  to  the  community  is  propofed  by  the" 
chief,  every  one  is  at  liberty  to  choofe  whether  he  will 
aflift  in  carrying  it  on  ;  fof  they  have  no  compulfory 
laws  that  lay  them  under  any  reftriaions.  If  violence 
is  committed,  or  blood  is  flied,  the  right  of  revenging 
thefe  mifdemeanors  is  left  to  the  family  of  the  injur-" 
ed  :  the  chiefs  afiume  neither  the  power  of  inflifting- 
or  moderating  rhe  punifhment. 

Some  nations,  where  the  dignity  is  hereditary,  lim- 
it the  fucceffion  to  the  female  line.  On  the  death  of  a^ 
chief,  his  fifter's  fon  fometimes  fucceeds  him  in  prefer- 
ence to  his  own  fon  ;  and  if  he  happens  to  have  no' 
fifter,  the  neareft  female  relation  aflumes  the  dignity. 
This  accounts  for  a  woman  being  at  the  head  of  the 
Winnebago  nation,  which;  before  I  was  acquainted 
with  their  laws,  appeared  ftrange  to  me. 

Each  family  has  a  right  to  appoint  one  of  its  chiefs' 
to  be  a;i  afliftant  to  the  principal  chief,  who  watches 
over  the  :ntereft  of  his  family,  and  without  whofe  con- 
fcnt  nothing  of  a  public  nature  can  be  carried  into  ex- 
ecution. Thefe  are  generally  chofen  for  their  ability 
in  fpeaking  ;  and  fuch  only  are  pennitted  to  make 
orations  in  their  councils  and  general  aflemblies.' , 

In  this  body,  with  the  hereditary  chief  at  its  head,^ 
the  fupreme  authority  appears  to  be  lodged  ;  as  by 
its  determination  every  tranfaaicm^  relative  to  their 
Hunting,  to  their*  making  war  or  peace,  and  to  all 
their  public  concerns  ai'e  regulatiid.  '  Next  to  thefe, 
the  body  of  warriors  which  comprehends  all  that  are 
able  to  bear  arms,  hold  their  rank.  This  divifion  has 
fometimes  at  its  head  the  chief  of  the  nation,  if  he  has 
fignalized  himfelf  by  any  renowned  a(n:ion,  if  not, 
feme  chief  that  has  rendered  himfelf  famuus. 

In  their  councils,  which  are  held  by  the  foregoing 
members,  every  affair  of  confequence  is  debated  -,  and 
no  enterprife  of  the  leaft  moment. undertaken,  unleft 
It  tW  meets  with  the  general  approbation  of  the 
Chiefs.  They  commonly  alTemble  iu  ■^'  hut ;  6t '  tent; 
^  *  "       appropriated 


Js-0 


CARVER'5  TRAVELS. 


appropriated  to  this  purpofe,  and  being  feated  in  a 
circle  on  the  ground,  the  eldeft  chief  rifes  and  makei 
a  Ipeech  j  when  he  has  conchided,  another  gets  up  j 
and  thus  they  all  fpeak,  if  neceifary,  by  turns. 

On  this  occafion  their  language  h  nervous,  and 
their  manner  of  expreflion  emphatical.  Their  ftile 
is  adorned  with  images,  comparifons,  and  ftrong  met- 
aphors, and  is  equal  in  allegories  to  that  of  any  of 
the  eaftern  nations.  In  all  their  let  fpeeches  thcv 
exprcfs  themfelves  with  much  Tehemence,  but  in 
common  difcourfp|  according  to-  our  ufual  method  of 
fpeechv 

The  young  men  are  fuffered  to  be  prefent  at  the 
councils,  though  they  are  not  allowed  to  nrake  a  fpeech 
till  they  are  i-egularly  admitted  ;  ihey  however  liften 
•»vith  great  attention,  and  to  Ihow  that  they  both  un- 
derftand,  and  approve  of  the  refolutior?  taken  by  the 
aflembled  chiefs,  they  frequently  exclaim,  "  That  h 
right."     «  That  is  good." 

The  cuftomary  mode  apaong  all  -  the  ranks  of  ex- 
preflmg  their  aflent,  and  which  they  repeat  at  the 
end  of  almofl:  every  period,  is  by  uttering  a  kind  of 
forcible  afpiration,  which  founds  like  an  union  of  the 
letters  OAH. 


CHAP.  VL 


OP    THETR    FEASTS. 

jyi ANY  of  the  Indian  nations  rieither  make 
ufc  of  brca^,  iVit,  or  fpices  j  and  ibmc  of  them  havO 
never  feeii  or  tafted  of  either.  Hie  Naudoweffies  in 
particular  have  no  bread,  nor  any  fubftitute  for  it. 
They  eat  the  wild  rice  which  grows  in  great  quanii- 
ties  ia  diftcrent  parts  of  their  territories  ;  but  they 

i^  boii 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS..  j^, 

bolUt  and  eat  it  alone.     They  alfo.eat  the  flefh  of  the 
beafts  they  kill,  without  having  recourfe  to  anv  far-'- 
Mceous  fubftanxre  to  abforb  the  groiTer  particles  'of  it 
And  even  when  they  confume  the  fugar  which  thcT^' 
have  extrafted  from  the  m&ple  tree,  they  u^  it  not  ti 
render  W  other  food  palataWe,  b«t  generally  eat  it 

Neither  have  they  any  idea  of  the  ufe  of  milk, 
although  they  m.ght  collect  great  quantities  from  the 
buffalo  or  the  elk  ;  they  only  conr«Jer  it  as  proper  for 
the  nutnmcnt  of  the  young  of  thefe  beaA  5  during 
therr  tender  ftate.  I  could  rot  perceive  that  anv 
inconvemency  attended  the  total  difufe  of  artidtJ 
eftee^d  fo  neceffary  and  nutritious  by  other  nations, 
on  the  contrary,  tliey  are  in  general  healthy  and 
vigorous.  °  ^ 

One  diih  however,  T^rhichanfwers  nearly  the  fame 

purpofe  as   bread,   is  in  ufe  among  the  Ott.gaumies, 

the  Saukies,  and  the  mor>  eaflern  nations  where  Inl 

dian  com  grows,  which  is  not  only  much  e/leemed 

tjr  them,  but  ,t  IS  reckoned  extremely  palatable  by 

all  the  Europeans  who  enter  their  dominions.     Thii 

«s  compofed  of  their  unripe  corn  as  before  defcribed. 

hi'    ^n  '"/^l  ^»'!»e  ftate,   boiled   together   with 

bears  flefl,    the  ht  of  which  moift.ns  the  pulfe,  .nd 

renders  ,t  beyond  comp^dfon  delicious.    They  call 

this  food  Succatofh.  ^ 

.Jr^/""*'!"'  ^'■^  ^''''  ^''''^  ^^'^S  Cannibals,  as  thev 
are  faid  to  be.  AH  their  vi<lluals  are  either  roafted 
or  boiled  i  and  this  in  the  extreme.  Their  drink  i» 
generally  the  broth  in  which  it  has  been  boiled 

h,  ff  i!"*  ."^1  """^^'^  *^^  *^e  ^^''^  of  the  bear,  the 
buftak),  the  elk,  the  deer,  the  beaver,  and  thP  r..L«  , 

Tw"  'r%  ^'■^PT  '"  *^^  ™^"^»-  i"ft  mentioned: 
i  hey  ufually  eat  the  ftefh  of  the  deer  which  is  natur- 

hi  nev.?t  ''*'  ^''''  ''  ^^^^^'"^'y  "<^i»  *"^  i«fciois 
« IS  never  known  to  gloy. 

la 


15* 


CARVER'S  TRAVELJ>. 


In  the  fprlng  of  the  year  the  Naudoweffies  eat  the 
inlide  bark  of  a  fhrub,  that  they  gather  in  fome  part 
of  their,  country  }  but  I  could  neither  learn  the  name 
of  it,  or  difcover  fr^m  whence  they  got  it.  It  was  of 
a  brittie  nature  and  eafily  mafticatfd.  The  tafte  of 
it  was  very  agreeable,  and  they  faid  it  was  extremely 
nourifhing.  In  flavor  it  was  not  unlike  the  turnip, 
and  when  received  into  the  mouth  refernbied  that 
root  both  in  its  pulpous'  and  frangible"  nature. 

The  lower  ranks  of  the  Indians  :ire  exceedingly 
nafty  in  dreffing  their  vi<^uals,  but  fome  of  the  chiefs 
are  very  neat  and  cleanly  in  their  apparel)  tents  and 
food. 

They  commonly  eat  In  large  parties,  fo  tha^heir 
meals  may  properly  be  termed  feafts' ;  and  this  they 
do  without  being  reftrifted  to  any  fixed  or  regular 
hours,  but  juil  as  their  appetites  reqtiii<e,  ind  con- 
venience fuits. 

They  ufually  dance  either  before  or  after  every 
meal  ',  and  by  this  chcerfulnefs  probably  render  the 
Great  Spirit,  to  whom  they  confider  themfelves  as 
indebted'  for  every  good,  a  inare  acceptable  facrjfice 
than  a  formal  and  unanimated  thanfcfgiving.  The 
ihen  and  women  feaft  apart  :  and  each  fex  invite  by 
tiu'ns  their  companions,  to  partake  with  them  of  the 
food  they  happen  to  have  -,  but  in  their  domeftic  way 
of  living  the  men  and  women  eat  together. 

No  people  are  more  hofpitable,  kind,  and  free  than 
the  Indians.  Tlvey  will  readily  fharc  with  any  of  their 
own  tribe  the  laft  part  of  their-  provifions,  and  even 
with  thofe  of  a  different  nation  if  tney  chance  to 
come  iifc  when  they  are  eating.  Though  tliey- do  not 
keep  one  common  flock,  yet  that  community  of  goods- 

—^  ...    ...    J,..    ,....,, _^ ......  ..     ^ 

difpofition^  render  it  nearly  of  the  fame  effeft.  ■ 

When  the  chiefs  are  convened  on  any  public  bufi- 
nefs  they  always  conclude  with  a  feaftj  at  which  their 
feftivity  and  cheerfuineis  knows  no  limits. 

CHAP.  VIL 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


'^3 


CHAP.  vn. 


OF    THEIJt    DANCES. 


D. 


^  ANTING  IS  a  favourite  exerclfe  among  the 
Indians ;  they  never  meet  on  any  public  occafion,  but 
this  makes  a  part  of  the  entertainment.  And  when 
they  are  not  engaged  in  waf  or  hunting,  the  youth 
of  both  fexes  amufe  thexttfelves  in  this  inanner  every 
evening.  ^ 

They  always  dance,  as  I  have  juft  obferved,  at  their 
feafts^  m  thefc  as  weli  as  ali  other  dances,  every 
man  rifes  in  his  turn,  and  moves  about  .vith  great 
freedom  and  boldnefs  ;  fmging  as  he  does  fo,  the  ex- 
ploits of  his  anceftors.  aJuring  this  the  company 
who  are  feated  on  the  ground  in  a  circle,  around  the 
dancer,  join  with  him  in  making  the  cadence,  by  an 
odd  tone,  vvhich  they  utter  all  together,  and  which 
rounds,  « Heh,  hch,  heh."  Theie  notes,  if  they 
might  be  10  termed,  are  articulated  with  a  harih  ac- 
cent, and  ftraincd  out  with  the  mmoft  force  of  their 
lungs  :  fo  that  one  would  imagine  their  ftrength  mud 
be  foon  exhaufted  by  it  j  inftead  of  which,  they  repeat 
It  witn  the  fame  violence  during  the  whole  of  theii^ 
entertainment. 

The  women,  particularly  thofe  of  the  tveftern  na* 
Horn,  d^nce  very  gracefiiUy.  They  carry  themfelvea, 
erea,  and  with  tlieir  arms  hanging  down  clofr  ^o  their 
.Ides,  move  firft  a  fexv  yards  to  the  right,  aad  then 
back  agam  to  the  left.     This  movement  they  perform 

i!!;  !.ti.**.^'"S  ^"^  ^^P?  }^  F*  European  would  do, 
!?,  .-,.  tucir  icct  conjoiiiw,  moving  by  turns  their 
foes  and  hceU.  In  this  manner  they  glide  with  great 
agihty  to  a  certain  diftancc,  and  then  return  ;  and 
ict  thole  who  jom  in  the  dance  be  ever  fo  numerous, 

they 


U4 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS'. 


*l<3 


fc*S 


fei 


they  k'-'p  time  fo  exactly  with  each  cihci  tli;it  d^* 
interruption  erfues.  -During  this  at  f.ltd  paiod  . 
they  mingle  their  fhrill  voices,  witi*.  the  hc';^fer  oncf 
of  the  men,  wiio  fit  aroiuid  (for  it  is  to  be  obferveiS 
that  the  fexis  niricr  interrai::  in,  the-' fame  dance) 
which,  with  the  mulic  of  the  drums  and  chithicof?, 
make  an  agreeable  h-'^mony. 

The  Inuians  have  feveral  kind;;  of  d^mces,  v/h\  ■' 
they  ufe  on  different  occafions,  ;;  ■  tliv:  Pipe  ;»ip  Calu- 
eAct  Dance,  the  War  Dance,  the  Murriage  Dance, 
md  the  Dance  of  the  Sacrifice.  The  movements  in 
every  one  of  tiiele  are  diflimilar  j  but  it  is  almoll  im- 
■poiTiiAi-  to  convey  any  idea  of  the  points  in-  which 
the','  are  unlike. 

Diiferent  nations  likewife  vary  m  tlieir  manner  of 
dancing.  The  Chipeway  throw  theaiielves  into  a 
greater  variety  of  attitudes  than  any  o  her  people ; 
fometimes  they  hold  theiy  heads  eredl,  at  others  they 
bend  them  almoil  to  thie  ground  •,  then  recline  on 
one  fide,  and  immediately  after  on  the  other.  The 
Naudoweffies  cajry  themfelves  more  upright,  ftep 
firmer,  and  move  more  gracefully.  But  they  all  ac- 
company their  dances  with  the  difagreeable  noifejuft 
mentioned. 

The  Pipe  Danee,  is  the  principal,  and  the  moft 
pleafing  to  a  fpedtator  of  any  of  them,  being  the  leaft 
frantic,  and  the  movement  of  it  mofk  graceful.  It  is 
but  en  particular  occafions  that  it  is  ufed  ;  as  when 
ambaiTadors  from  an  enemy  arrive  to  treat  of  peace, 
©r  when  ftrangers  of  eminence  pafs  tiirough  their 
territories. 

The  War  Dance,  which  they  ufe  both  before  they 
fct  out  on  tJKeir  war  parties,  and  on  their  return  from 
them,  ftrikes  terror  into  ftrangers.  It  's  performed, 
9c  the  Qtlicrp.i  aniidft  s.  circls  nf  the  x?^.'  *$  •  a  chief 
genergifly  begins  it^*  who  moves  from  th;  •  i^ht  to  the 
left  iinr  ,  ;  at  the  felne  time  bot.>  'r-^  wn  exploits, 
and  the      f  his  ar^Hers.    Whe;.  ,':i«  %i£S  concluded 

his 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ,^^ 

■hi^:  account  of  any  memorable  action,  he  qives  a  vio- 
■^'tbiovr  with  his  war  club,  againft  a  noft  that  is 
Med  in  the  ground,  near  the  centre  of  the  affemblv 
for  this  purpofe.  ' 

Every  one   dances  in   his   turn,   and   recapitulates 
ti> .  wondrous  deeds  of  his  flimily,  till  they  all  at  laft 
joininthe  dance.     Then  it  becomes  truly   alarming 
.0  any^ftranger  that  happens  to   be  among  them,   as 
Shey  throw   themfelves    into   every  horrible   and   ter- 
rifying pofture  that  can  be  imagined,  rehearfing  at 
he  fame  tune  the  parts  titey  expeft  to  aft  again^ 
thcjr  enemies_  m  the  field.     During  this  they  hold 
their  fliarp  knives  in  their  hr.nds,  with  which,  as  they 
whirl  about,   they  are'  every  moment   in    danger  of 
cutting  each  other's  throat.  5  and  did  they  «o?fhun 
tne  threatened  mifchiefwith  inconceivable  dexterity. 
It  could  not  be  avoided.     By  thefe  motions  thev  ill 
tend  to  reprefent  the  manner  in  which  they  kill,  fcalp, 

theyfet   up   the   fame  hideous  yells,    cries,  and  war- 
whoops  they  ufe  m  time  of  aftion  :  fo  that  it   is   im- 

Lts^^y^fdfrnr  ^"  ^"^  "'^^ '''''  ^^-  - 

I  have  frequently  joined  in  this  dance  with  them, 
Dut  It  foon  ceafed  to  be  an  amufement  to  me,  as  I 
could  not  lay  afide  my  apprehenfions  of  receiving  fome 
dreadful  wound,  that  from  the  violence  of  their  gef- 
tures  m\ift  liave  proved  mortal.  ^ 

I  found  that  the  nations  to  the  weftward  of  the  Mif- 
fifippi,  and  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Superior,  ftiU 
continue  to  make  ufe  of  the  Pawwaw  or  Black  Dance. 

tones  of  the  Devil  being  raifed  in  this  dance  by  the 

tr;„.  ?^"'   **^'y  f ""  ^^''  '^^'  -^^  -    former 
nines,  atid  ic  «rt»T»  •\A,._i«. i!_  n    _^ •     _ 

ffrl      }\^^^.   ^"^''P^an  fett^n»ents.     However,  I 

;»nd  though  I  did  npt  aftuaUy  fee  the  Devil  railed  b^ 

it. 


ts6 


CARVER'S  TRAVjELSr 


it,  I  was  witnefs  to  fome  fcenes  that  could  only  be  per- 
formed by  fuch  as  dealt  with  him,  <)r  were  very  ex- 
pert and  dexterous  jugglers. 

Whilft  I  was  among  the  Naudoweffies,  a  dance, 
which  they  thus  termed,  was  performed.  Before  the 
dance  began,  one  of  the  Indians  was  admitted  into  a 
fociety  which  they  denominated  WakonrKitchewah, 
that  is,  the  Friendly  Society  of  the  Spirit.  This  fo- 
ciety is  compofed  of  perfons  of  both  fexes,  but  fuch 
only  can  be  admitted  in^o  it,  as  are  of  unexception- 
able charaifler,  and  wh©  receive  the  approbation  of 
the  whole  body.  To  this  admijQion  fucceeded  the  Paw- 
vraw  Dance  (in  which  I  faw  nothing  that  could  gi\e 
rife  to  the  reports  I  had  heard)  and  the  whole,  ac- 
<ording  to  their  ufual  cwftom,  concluded  with  a  grand 
feaft. 

I'he  initiation  being  attended  with  fome  very  fingii- 
lar  circumftances,  which,  as  I  have  bef<^re  obferved, 
5muft  be  either  the  effeCi  of  magic,  or  of  amazing 
dexterity,  I  fliall  give  a  particuliir  account  of  the 
whole  procedure.  It  was  performed  at  the  time  of 
the  new  moon,  in  a  place  appropriated  to  the  purpofe, 
near  the  centre  of  their  camp,  that  would  contain 
about  two  hundl-ed  people.  Being  a  ftrange*,  and  on 
all  occafions  treated  by  them  with  great  civility,  I 
was  invited  to  fee  the  ceremony,  and  placed  clofe  to 
the  rails  of  the  enclofmre.  ,,jl. 

About  twelve  o'clock  they  oegan  to  aflemble ; 
when  the  fun  flione  bright,  which  they  confidered  as 
a  good  omen,  for  they  never  by  cl>oice  hpld  any  of 
their  public  meetings  unlefs  the  fky  be  clear  and  mit 
clouded.  A  great  -number  of  chiefs  firft  appeared, 
who  were  drefled  in  their  beft  apparei ;  and  after 
them  came  the  head  warrior,  clad  in  a  long  robe  of 
rich  fitrs-  that  trailed  col  tlie  ground,  attended  by  a 
retinue  of  fifteen  or  Mltnty "  perfons,  p?-ated  and 
drefled  in  the  gayAmliner.  Next  foliowefl  the 
nivm..Qi  fuch  as  hMbe&i.  akeady.  vJviJted  into  thp 

fociety  j 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


>57 


fociety  ;  and  in  the  rear  a  confufed  heap  of  the  low- 
er ranks,  all  contributing  as  much  as  lay  in  their 
power  to  make  the  appearance  grand  and  /howy. 

When  the  aflembly  was  feated,  and  filence  pro- 
claimed, one  of  the  principal  chiefs  arofe,  and  in  a 
fhort  but  mafterly  fpeech  informed  his  audience  of 
the  occafion  of  their  meeting.  He  acquainted  them 
that  one  of  their  young  men  wifhed  to  be  admitted 
into  their  fociety  ;  and  taking  him  by  the  hand  pre- 
fented  him  to  their  view,  aflcing  them  at  the  fame 
time,  whether  they  had  anj  objediion  to  his  becoming 
one  of  their  community. 

No  obje«Slion  being  made,  the  young  candidate  was 
placed  in  the  centre,  and  four  of  the  chiefs  took  their 
ftations  clofe  to  him  ;  after  exhorting  him,  by  turns, 
not  to  faint  under  the  operation  he  was  about  to  go 
through,  but  to  behave  like  an  Indian  and  a  man, 
two  of  them  took  hold  of  his  arms,  and  caufed  }\im 
to  kneel  ;  another  placed  himfelf  behind  him,  fo  as 
to  receive  him  when  he  fell,  and  the  laft  of  the  four 
retired  to  the  diflance  of  about  twelve  feet  from  him 
e/.aftly  in  front. 

This  difpofition  being  completed,  the  chief  then 
ftood  before  the  kneeling  candidate,  began  to  fpeak 
to  him  with  an  audible  voice.  He  told  him  that  he 
himfelf  was  now  agitated  by  the  fame  fpirit  which 
he  fliould  in  a  few  moments  communicate  to  him  ; 
that  it  would  ftrike  him  dead,  but  that  he  would  in- 
ftantly  be  reftored  again  to  life  ;  to  tliis  he  added, 
that  the  communication  however  terrifying,  was  a 
neceiTary  introdu(51:ion  to  the  advantages  enjoyed  by 
the  community  into  which  he  was  on  the  point  of  be- 
ing admitted.  » 

As  he  fpoke  this,  he  appeared  to  be  greatly  agitat- 
ed ;  ti"l  at  iait  his  eTiotions  became  fb  violent,  that 
his  countenance  w,  diftortedj  and  his  whole  frame 
convulfed.  At  tlu.  juncture  hi  threw  fomething  that 
appeared  both  in  fliape  and  colour  like  a  fmall  bean, 
o  at 


158 


CAUVER's  TRAVELS. 


at  t',*  young  man,  which  feemed  to  enter  his  mouth, 
and  iie  inftantly  fell  as  motionlefs  as  if  he  had  been 
fliot.  The  chief  that  was  placed  behind  him  receiv- 
ed him  in  his  arms,  and,  by  the  afliftance  of  the  other 
two,  laid  him  on  the  ^rouau  .w  all  appearance  bereft 
of  life. 

Having  done  this,  they  immediately  began  to  rub 
his  limbs,  and  to  ftrike  him  on  the  back,  giving  him 
fuch  blows,  as  feemed  more  calculated  to  flill  the 
quick,  than  to  raife  the  dead.  During  thefe  extraor- 
dinary applications,  the  fpeaker  continued  his  ha- 
rangue, defiring  tjie  fpedtators  not  to  be  furprifed,  or 
to  defpair  of  the  young  man's  recovery,  as  his  pref- 
ent  inanimate  fituation  proceeded  only  from  the  forci- 
ble  operation  of  the  Ipirit,  on  faculties  that  had  hith- 
erto been  unufed  to  infp. rations  of  this  kind. 

'I'iie  candidate  lay  leveral  minutes  withouL  lenfe 
or  motion  ;  but  at  length,  after  receiving  many  vio- 
IciiC  blows,  he  bcgai  to  difcover  fome  fymptoms  of 
retuiirag  life.  Thefe,  however,  were  attended  with 
ilrong  convullions,  and  an  apparent  obftruftion  in 
his  throat.  But  t^ey  were  foon  at  an  end  ;  for  h  v- 
ing  difcharged  ^:om  his  mouth  the  bean,  or  wliat- 
ever  it  was  that  the  chef  had  thrown  at  him,  but 
which  •'  thi'  » lofeil  •"  Tpedlion  I  had  Hot  perceived 
to  enter  ^t^  he  foon  attcr  appeared  to  be  tolerably 
recovered* 

This  p-  •'  vf  the  ceremony  beir'T  happily  e'fFedled, 
the  ofSciatJng  chiefs  diircbed  him  of  the  clothes  he 
had  ufually  worn,  and  put  on  hun  a  fet  of  apparel  en- 
tirely new.     AVhen  he  v,  .:  drsfled,  the  fpeaker  once 

he  hand,  and  prefented  J^im  to 
.la  and  thorougiUy  initiated 
hei  at  the  fame  time,  to  give 
^iiiicani-'c,  as  Dcmg  a  '^'^'h  ^' '''''" 
ber,  he  might  ftand  in  need  of.  He  then  alfo  charg- 
e  1  the  newly  ele^ed  brother  to  receive  with  hu  lility, 
and  to  follow  with  puni^uality  the  advice  of  his  elder 
brethren.  All 


more  took  him  b% 
the  foci<^  as  a  '• 
member,  exhortin^: 
hiiii  fuch  ncccfrary 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


»59 


All  thofe  who  had  been  admitted  within  the  rails, 
now  formed  a  circle  around  their  new  brother,  and 
the  mufic  ftriking  up,  the  great  chief  fung  a  long, 
celebrating  as  ufual  their  martial  exploits. 

The  only  mufic  they  make  ufe  of  is  a  drum,,  which 
is  compofed  of  a  piece  of  a  hollow  tree  curioufly 
wrought,,  and  over  one  end  of  which,  is  ftrained  a 
Ikin,  this  they  beat  with  a  fmgle  ftick,  and  it  gives  a 
foui.J  that  is  far  from  harmonious,  but  ttjuft  ferves 
to  I)cat  time  with.  To  this  they  fometimes  add  the 
chichicoe,  an*:ij»  aheir  war  dance:  'eytlia^eufe 
a  kind  of  fife,  forrhed  of  a  reed,  which  mak^  -a  ihrill 
harfh  .oife. 

The  whole  aflembly  were  by  this  time  united,  and 
the  dance  began  ;  feveral  fingers  aflTifted  the  mufic 
with  t' eir  vol  es,  and  the  women  joining  in  the 
cho  IS  at  certain  intervals,  they  produced  together  a 
not  mpleafing  but  favage  harmony.  This  was  one 
of  thv  >oft  agreeable  entertainments  I  faw  whilft  I  was 
among  tlcm. 

I  cor'  not  help  laughing*at  a  Angular  childiOi  , 
cuftom  i  obiervr  1  they  introduced  into  this  dante,  and 
which  was  the  ly  one  that  had  the  leaft  appearance 
of  conjuration. .  Moft  of  the  members  carried  in 
their  hands  an  otter  or  martin's  ikin,  which  bein^v 
taken  whole  from  the  body,  and  filled  with  wind,  on 
being  comprefled  made  a  fqueaking  noife  through  a 
fmall  piece  of  wood  organically  formed  and  fixed  in 
its  mouth.  When  this  inftrumenL  was  prefented  to 
the  face  of  any  of  the  company,  and  the  found  emits 
ted,  the  perfon  receiving  it  inftantly  fell  down  to  ajS 
pearance  dead.  Sometimes  two  or  three,  both'men  • 
and  women,  wre  on  the  ground  together  }  ^ut  im- 
mediately recovering,  they  rofe  upland  joined  again 

m  the  dance.     Thk  fffmoA  «•«  .,ffx..'i   — -~  *i--  -iT^-r 
.1      -,         "."  -  ~ '  '■'  ■•'^'"•'j  vvcn  iiic  i-iiicis^ 

til  nlelves,  mfimte  diverfion.      T  afterwards  learned 
that   thefe  were    their  Dii    Penates    or   Houfehold 

Oods. 

After 


i6o 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


/ 


After  Tome  hours  fpcnt  in  this  manner  the  feaft 
began  }  ''vc  diihes  being  brought  near  me,  I  perceiv- 
ed that  they  confifted  of  do^'s  flefh  ;  and  I  was  in- 
formed that  at  all  their  public  grand  feafts  they  never 
made  ufe  of  any  other  kind  of  food.  For  this  pur- 
pofe,  at  the  feaft  I  am  now  ipeaking  of,  the  new  can- 
didate provides,  fat  dogs,  if  they  can  be  procured  at 
any  price. 

In  this  cuftom  of  eating  dog's  flefh  on  particular 
occafions,  they  rcremble  the  inhabitants  of  Ibnie  of 
the  countries  that  lie  on  the  northeall:  borders  of 
Afia.  The  author  of  the  account  of  Kamfchatki, 
publiflied  by  order  of  the  Emprefs  of  Ruilia  (before 
referred  to)  informs  us,  that  the  people  inhabiting  Ko- 
r'kw,  a  crmitry  iicrth  af  K:>tr,fclrit!c3,  who  vniiulit 
about  ia  hordes  like  the  Arabsi  when  they  pay  their 
worfhip  to  the  evil  beings,  kill  a  rein  deer  or  a  dog, 
the  flefh  of  which  they  eat,  and  leave  the  head  and 
tongue  fticking  on  a  pole  with  the  front  towards  the 
eafV.  Alfo  that  when  they  are  afraid  of  any  infedious 
diflemper,  they  kill  a  dog,  and  winding  the  guts 
aix)ut  two  poles,  pafs  between  them.  Thefe  cufloms, 
in  who  h  they  are  nearly  imitated  by  the  Indians,  feem 
to  add  ftrength  to  my  fuppofition,  that  America  was 
ilrfl  peopled  from  this  quarter. 

I  know  not  under  what  clafs  of  dances  to  rank  that 
performed  by  the  Indians  who  came  to  my  tent  when 
I  landed  near  Lake  Pepin,  on  the  banks  of  the  Mil- 
fifippi,  as  related  in  my  Journal.  When  I  look(;d 
out,  as  I  there  mentioned,  I  law  about  twenty  naked 
young  Indians,  the  moft  perfe£l  in  their  fhape,  and 
by  far  the  handfomeft  of  any  I  had  ever  feen,  coming 
towards  me,  and  dancing  as  they  approached,  to  the 
muflc  of  their  drums.  At  every  ten  or  twelve  yards 
they  halted,  and  fet  up  their  yells  and  cries. 

When  they  reached  my  tent,  I  alked  them  to  come 
in  ;  whicli,  without  deigning  to  make  me  any  anfwcr, 
they  did.     As  I  obfcrved  that  they  were  painted  red 

and 


CARVER'S  TRA\T:LS.  ,6, 

and  black,  as  they  ufually  are  when  they  go  againft 
an  enemy,  and  perceived  that  fome  parts  of  the  war 
dance  were  intermixed  \(ith  their  other  movements, 
r  doubted  not  but  they  were  fet  on  by  the  inimical 
chief  who  had  refufcd  my  falutation  ;  I  therefore  de- 
termmed  to  fell  my  life  as  dear  as  poffible.  To  this 
purpofe,  I  received  them  fitting  on  my  cheft,  with 
my  gun  and  piftols  befide  me,  and  ordered  my  men 
to  keep  a  watchful  eye  on  them,  and  to  be  alfo  upon 
their  guard. 

The  Indians  being  entered,  they  continued  their 
dance  alternately,  finging  at  the  fame  time  of  their 
heroic  exploits,  and  the  fuperiority  of  their  race  over 
every  other  people.  To  enforce  their  language, 
though  It  was  uncommonly  nervous  and  expreffive, 
and  fuch  as  would  of  itfelf  have  carried  terror  to  the 
firmeft  heart,  at  the  end  of  every  period  they  ftruck 
their  war  clubs  againft  the  poles  of  my  tent,  with, 
fuch  violence,  that  I  expefted  every  moment  it  would 
have  tumbled  upon  us.  As  each  of  them,  in  danc- 
ing round,  pafled  by  nae,  they  placed  their  right  hands 
over  their  eyes,  and  coming  clofe  to  me,  looked  me 
fteadily  m  the  face,  which  I  could  not  conftrue  into 
a  token  of  friendfhip.  My  men  gave  themfelves  up 
tor  loft,  and  I  acknowledge,  for  my  own  part,  that  I 
never  found  my  apprehenfions  more  tumultuous  on 
any  occafion. 

When  they  had  nearly  ended  their  dance,  I  pre- 
lented  to  them  the  pipe  of  peace,  but  they  would  not 
receive  it.  I  then,  as  my  laft  refource,  thought  I 
would  try  what  prefents  would  do  ;  accordingly  I 
took  from  my  cheft  fome  ribands  ard  trinkets,  which 
1  laid  before  them.  Thefe  feemed  to  ftagger  their 
relolutions,  and  to  avert  in  fome  degree  their  anrer  r 
lor  after  holding  a  confultation.  together,  they''  fat 
down  on  the  ground,  which  I  confidcred  as  a  favora- 
vk  omen. 


03 


Thus 


1 62 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Thus  it  proved,  as  in  a  fliort  time  they  received  the 
pipe  of  peace,  and  lighting  it,  fifft  prefented  it  to  me, 
and  then  fmoked  with  it  theinfelve^.  Soon  after  they 
took  up  the  prefents,  which  had  hitherto  lain  negleft- 
ed,  and  appearing  to  be  greatly  pleafed  with  them, 
departed  in  a  friendly  manner.  And  never  did  I  re- 
ceive greater  pleafure  than  at  getting  rid  of  fuch  for- 
midable guefts. 

It  was  not  ever  in  my  power  to  gain  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  dcfigns  of  my  vifitors.  I  had  fuf- 
ficient  reafon  to  conclude  that  they  were  hoftile,  and 
that  their  vifit,  at  fo  late  an  hour,  was  made  through 
the  inftigation  of  the  Grand  Sautor ;  but  I  was  after- 
wards informed  that  it  might  be  intended  as  a  com- 
pliment which  they  ufually  pay  to  the  chiefs  of  eveiy 
other  nation  who  happen  to  fdl  in  with  them,  and 
that  the  circumftunces  in  their  condudl  which  had 
appeared  fo  fufpicious  to  me,  were  merely  the  efFefts 
©f  their  vanity,  and  dedgned  to  imprefs  on  the  minds 
of  thofe  whom  they  thus  vifited  an  elevated  opinion 
of  their  valor  and  prowefs.  In  the  morning  Wore 
I  continued  my  route,  feveral  of  their  wives  brought 
me  a  prefent  of  fome  fugar,  for  whom  I  found  a  few 
more  ribands. 

The  dance  of  the  facritlce  is  not  fo  deiK)minated 
from  their  offering  up  at  the  fame  time  a  facrifice  to 
any  good  or  €vil  fpirit,  but  is  a  dance  to  which  the 
Naudoweflics  give  that  title  from  being  ufed  when 
any-  public  fortunate  clrcumftance  befalls  them. 
Whilft  I  reiided  among  them,  a  fine  l:>rge  deer  acci- 
dentally ftraycd  into  the  middle  of  their  encampment, 
which  they  foon  deftroyed.  As  this  happened  juft 
at  the  'lew  moon,  they  efteemed  it  a  Uicky  omen  -,  and 
having  foafted  it  whole,  every  one  in  the  camp  par- 
took of  it.  After  their  feaft,  they  all  joined  in  a 
dance,  which  they  termed,  from  its  being  foniewhat 


of  a  religious  nature,  a  dance  of  the  facrliice. 


CHAP. 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


1^3 


CHAP.  vm. 


OF    THEIR   HUNTING. 


Hi 


lUNTING  is  the  principal  occupation  of  the 
Indians;  they  are  trained  to  it  from  their  earlieft 
youth,  and  it  is  an  exercife  which  is  efteemed  no  lefs 
honorabl'^  than  neceflary  towards  their  fubriftence.  A 
dexterous  and  refolute  hunter  is  held  in  nearly  as 
great  eftimation  by  them  as  a  diftinguifhed  warrior. 
Scarcely  any  device  which  the  ingenuity  of  man  has 
difcovered  for  enfnaring  or  deftroying  thofe  animals 
that  fupply  them  with  food,  or  whofe  Itins  are  valua- 
ble to  Europeans,   is  unknown  to  them. 

Whilft  they  are  engaged  in  this  ejcercife,  they 
(liake  off  the  indolence  peculiar  to  their  nature,  and 
become  7>.€m&,  perfevering,  and  indefati^ble.  They 
are  eoually  fugacious  in  finding  their  prey,  and  in 
the  means  they  ufe  to  deftroy  it.  They  difcern  the 
iooin:?i>s  of  the  hearts  they  are  in  purfuit  of,  akhough 
thcv  le  imperceptible  to  every  other  eye,  and  can 
follow  the-a  with  certainty  through  the  pathiefs  foreft. 

The  beafts  that  the  Indians  hunt,  both  for  their 
flelli  on  which  they  fubfift,  and  for  their  Ikins,  of 
which  they  either  make  their  apparel,  or  barter  with 
the  Europeans  for  neceflaries,  are  the  buffalo,  the  elk, 
the  deer,  the  moofe.,  the;  carriboo,  the  bear,  the  bea« 
ver,  the  otter,  the  martin,  &c.  I  defer  giving  a  fle- 
feription  of  thefe  creatures  here,  and  fball  only  at 
prefent  treat  of  their  manner  of  hunting  them. 

The  route  they  ihall  take  for  this  purpofe,  and  the 
parties  that  fhall  go  on  the  different*  expeditions  are 
iixed  in  their  general  councils,  which  are  held  feme 
tmae  in  the  fummer,  when  all  the  operations  for  tlie 
enfuing  winter  arc  concluded  on.    Tlie  chief  warrior, 

#  whofe 


1 64 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


whofe  province  it  is  to  regulate  their  proceedings  on 
this  occafion,  with  great  folemnity  iffues  out  an  invi- 
tation to  thofe  who  choofe  to  attend  him  ;  for  the 
Indians,'  as  before  obferved,  acknowledge  no  fuperi- 
ority,  nor  have  they  any  idea  of  compulfion  ;  and 
every  one  that  accepts  it,  prepares  hinifelf  by  failing 
during  feveral  days. 

The  Indians  do  not  faft  as  fome  other  natfons  do, 
on  the  richeft  and  moft  luxurious  food,  but  they  to- 
tally abftain  from  every  kind,  either  of  viauals  or 
drink  ;  and  fuch  is  their  patience  and  refolution,  that 
the  moft  extreme  thirft  could  not  obhge  them  to 
tafte  a  drop  of  water  ;  yet  amidft  this  fevere  abfti- 
nence  they  appear  cheerful  and  happy. 

The  reafons  they  give  for  thus  fafting,  are,  that  it 
enables  them  freely  to  dream,  in  which  dr,eams  they 
are  informed  where  they  Ihall  find  the  greateft  plenty 
of  game  ;  alfo  that  it  averts  the  difpleafure  of  the 
evil  fpirits,  and  induces  them  to  be  propitious.  They 
alfo  on  thefe  occafions  blacken  thofe  parts  of  their 
bodies  that  are  uncovered. 

The  faft  being  ended,  and  the  place  of  hunting 
made  known,  the  chief  who  is  to  conduft  them,  gives 
a  grand  feaft  to  thofe  who  are  to  form  the  different 
parties  j  of  which  none  of  them  dare  to  partake  till 
they  have  bathed  themfelves.  At  this  feaft,  not- 
withftanding  they  have  fafted  fo  long,  they  eat  with 
great  moderation  -,  and  the  chief  that  prefides  cm- 
ploys  himfelf  in  rehearfing  the  feats  of  thofe  who  have 
been  moft  fuccefsful  in  the  bufmefs  they  are  about 
to  enter  upon.  They  fbon  after  fet  out  on  the  march 
towards  the  place  appointed,  painted  or  r?*^er  be- 
daubed   with  black,  amidft  the  acclamations  of  all 


4>1«< 


it*is  impoffible  to  defcrlbe  their  agility  or  perfever- 
ancc,  whilft  they  are  in  purfuit  of  their  prey  j  neith- 
er thickets,  ditches,  torrents,  pools,  or  rivers  ftop 
Chcm  i  they  always  go  ftraight  forward  in  the  moil 


*r 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


i6s 


direa  line  they  poffibly  can,  and  there  are  few ^f  the 
lavage  inhabitants  of  the  wocds  that  they  cannot 
overtake. 

When  they  hunt  for  bears,  they  endeavor  to  find 
out  their  retreats  ;  for,  during  the  winter,  thefe  ani- 
mals conceal  themfelves  in  the  hollow  trunks  of  trees 
or  make  themfelves  holes  in  the  ground,  where  they 
continue  without  food,  whiUl  the  fevere  weather 
lafts. 

When  the  Indians  think  they  have  arrived  at  a 
place  where  th-fe  creatures  ufually  haunt,  they  form 
thenilelves  into  a  circle  according  to  their  number, 
and  movmg  onward,  endeavor,  as  they  advance  to- 
wards the  centre,  to  difcover  the  retreats  of  their 
prey.  By  this  means,  if  any  lie  In  the  ^itermediate 
Ipace,  they  are  lure  of  arouling  them,  and  brlnirinff 
them  down  ^ither  with  their  bows  or  their  gunf 
The  bears  will  take  to  flight  at  figlit  of  a  man  or  a 
dog,  and  will  only  make  reftftance  when  they  are 
extremely  hungry,  or  after  they  are  wounded. 

The  Indian  method  of  hunting  the  buffi^do  is  by 
fonnmg  a  circle  or  a  fquare,  nearly  in  the  fame  man- 
ner as  when  they  fearch  for  the  bear.  Having  taken 
their  ditterent  Nations,  they  fet  the  grafs,  which  at 
this  time  IS  rank  and  dry,  on  fire,  and  thefe  animals, 
vho  are  extremely  fearful  of  that  element,  flyinp 
with  precipitation  before  it,  great  numbers  are  hem- 
mcd  m  a  Jmall  compafs,  and  fcafcely  a  finale  one 
elcapes.  •  ^  o 

lliey  have  different  ways  of  hunting  the  elk,  the 
tlcer,  and  the  cai  >  iboo.  Sometimes  they  feck  them 
out  m  the  woods,  to  wliich  they  retire  during  the 
l^venty  of  the  cold,  where  they  are  eafily  fliot'from 
wiJmd  the  trees.  In  the  more  nothern  climates 
tJiey  take  the  ailvantasre  of  thf  «vp:- !«..-r  *.-;  A=^.-.-..-.^  j.'  ^ 
^^  ;  when  the  lUn  has  juft  ft.  :ngth  enough  to"  mek 
•iie  inow,  and  the  fu^l  in  the  night  forms  a  kind  of 
-rult  on  the  furface,  this  creature  being  heavy,  breaks 

it 


1 66 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


it  witk  his  forked  hoofs,  and  with  difficulty  extri- 
cates himfeif  from  it  :  at  this  time  therefore  he  is 
foon  overtaken  and  deftroyed. 

Some  nations  have  a  method  of  hunting  thefe  ani- 
mals which  is  more  eafily  executed,  and  free  from 
danger.  The  hunting  party  divide  themfelves  into 
two  bands,  and  choofing  a  fpot  near  the  borders  of 
fome  river,  one  party  embarks  on  board  their  eanoes, 
whilft  the  other  forming  themfelves  into  a  femicir- 
cle  on  the  land,  the  flanks  of  which  reach  the  fliore, 
let  loofe  their  dogs,  and  by  this  means  roufe  all  the 
game  that  lies  vt^ithin  thefe  bounds  ;  they  then  drive 
thena  towards  the  river,  into  which  they  no  fooner 
enter,  than  the  greateft  part  of  them  are  immediately 
difpatched  by  thofe  who  remain  in  the  canoes. 

Botli  the  eMc  and  buffalo  are  very  furious  wnen 
they  are  wounded,  and  will  return  fiqfcely  on  their 
purfuers,  and  trample  ^them  under  their  feet,  if  the 
hunter  finds  no  fneans  to  complete  their  deftruftion, 
or  does  not  feek  for  fecurity  in  flight  to  fome  adja- 
cent tree  ;  by  this  method  they  are  frequently  avoid- 
ed, and  fo  tired  with  the  purfuit,  that  they^voluntariljr 
give  it  over. 

But  the  hunting  in  which  the  Indians,  particularly 
thole  who  inhabit  the  northern  parts,  chiefly  employ 
themfelves,  and  from  which  they  reap  the  greateft 
advantage,  is  the  beaver  hunting.  The  feafon  for 
this  is  throughout  the  whole  of  the  winter,  from  No- 
vemb'er  to  April  j  during  which  time  the  fur  of  thefe 
creatures  is  in  the  greateft  perfeftion.  A  defcription 
of  this  extraordinary  animal,  the  conftruftion  of  their 
huts,  and  the  regulations  of  their  almoft  rational  com- 
munity, I  fhall  give  in  another  place. 

The  hunters  make  a£c  of  feveral  methods  to  deftroy 
them.  Thole  generally  fradlifcd,  are  either  that  of 
taking  them  m  fnarcs,  cutting  tlirough  the  ice,  or 
opening  their  caufeways. 

As 


,eir  canoes, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ,57 

,   As  the  eyes  of  thefc  animals  are  very  ouiclc,  and  their 
hearmg  exceedn.gly  acute,  great  precaution    s  necef 
%  in  app.oachmg  their  bodies;    for  a.  thev  fe  dnm 

r  ,    .  ^  °^  lome  laree  river  or  UI-p    «.. 

m  ke  a  great  noife  by   beating  the  water  whh  t  elr 
taj^mipurpofc  to  put  the  whole  fraternity  on  their 

They  take  them  with  fnares  in  the  following  man 
ner  :  though  the  beavers  ufually  lay  up  Huffide"" 
ftore  of  proviii^n  to  ferve  for  tlieir  fuhfia/  ^^^^'^^9^^ 

piles  ot  rood.      Ihe  hunters  having  founrl   r,,,t  ^u- 
t»n,s  placea  .rap  in   ,U.ir  wa,"\aited  with  faaU 
P-ecesofbark,  or  yoang  fl,„„,/of  u-J,,  Xh  ,hi 

htid  l,»  '^ , "''™  '"'■  fciMking  them  on  the 

'-"!«:  t;;°at  ro:e^a^r:L^ff:r".^/- 

oeaversj,  who  never 


Ito 


iiialci. 


Ttl'tJ''  ^.«R^-"  P'«i  -"-  •% 


fail 


liiuanrrted  .,n  1  t.i    '"^  ^'^"iy"-  F'"^>   wnere  they  are 
'.ted  and  taken.     But  they  muft  not  be  fuffered 


to 


t68 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


to  remain  there  long,  as  they  would  foon  extricate 
themielves  with  their  teeth,  which  are  well  known 
to  be  evceffively  fharp  and  ftrong. 

The  Indians  take  great  care  to  hinder  their  dogs 
from  touchiiig  tiie  bones  of  tlie  beavers.  The  rea- 
fons  they  give  for  tliefe  precautions,  are,  firft,  that 
the  bones  are  io  excellively  hard,  tiiat  they  fpoil  the 
teeth  of  the  dogs  :  and,  fecondly,  that  they  are  ap- 
prehenfive  they  ihall  fo  exaiperate  the  fpirits  of  the 
beavers  by  this  periniffion,  as  to  render  the  i"i;xt  hunt- 
ing feafon  unfuccefsful. 

The  Ikins  of  thele  animals,  the  hunters  exchange 
with  th:.^  Europeans  for  ncceflaries,  and  as  they  are 
more  valued  by  the  latter  than  any  other  kind  of  furs, 
they  pay  the  greatefl  attention  to  this  fpecies  of 
hunting. 

When  the  Indians  deftroy  buffaloes,  elks,  deer, 
&c.  they  generally  divide  the  flelh  of  fuch  as  they 
have  taken  among  the  tribe  to  which  they  belong. 
But  in  huntmg  the  beaver  a  few  families  ufually  unite 
and  divide  the  I'poil  between  them.  Indeed,  in  the 
firflkinftance  they  generally  pay  fome  attention  in  the 
divifion  to  their  own  families  ;  but  no  jealoufies  or 
murmurings  .re  ever  known  to  arife  on  account  of 
any  apparent  partiality. 

Among  the  Naudoweflies,  If  a  perfon  flaoots  a  deer, 
buffalo,  &c.  and  it  runs  to  a  confiderable  diftance 
before  it  drops,  where  a  perfon  belonging  to  another 
tribe,  being  nearer,  firft  fticks  a  knife  into  it,  the 
game  is  confidered  as  the  property  of  the  latter,  not- 
withftanding  it  had  been  mortally  wounded  by  the 
former.  Though  this  cullom  appears  to  be  arbitrary 
and  unjuft,  yet  that  people  cheerfully  fubmit  to  it. 
This  decifion  is,  however,  very  different  from  that 
prattifed  by  the  Indians  on  the  back  of  ilic  voionics,! 
where  the  firft  perfon  that  hits,  is  entitled  to  the  beft 

*^'-  CHAP. 


CAR.VER's  TRAVELS. 


I  dp 


CHAP.  IX. 


OP  7HEIR  MANNER    OF  MAKING   WAR,   ^c. 

T 

err  Indians  begin  to  bear  arms  at  the  age 

of  fifteen,  and  lay  them  afide  when  they  arrive  at  the 
age  of  fixty.  Some  nations  to  the  fouthward,  I  have 
been  informed,  do  not  continue  their  niihtary  exer- 
cifes  after  they  are  fiftj% 

In  every  band  or  nation  there  is  a  feleft  nun-ber 
who  are  ftiled  the  warriors,  and  who  are  always  rea- 
dy to  aa  either  oiFenfively  or  defenfively,  as  occafion 
requires.  Thefe  are  well  armed,  bearing  the  wea- 
pons commonly  in  ufe  among  them,  which  vary  ac- 
cording to  the  fituation  of  their  countries.  Such  as 
have  an  intercourle  with  the  Europeans  make  ufe  of 
tomahawks,  knives,  and  firearms  ;  but  thofe  whole 
dwellings  are  iituatec:  to  the  weftward  of  the  Miffi- 
lippi,  and  who  have  not  an  opportunity  of  purchafmq 
theie  kinds  of  weapons,  ufe  bows  and  arrows,  and 
alfo  the  Caffe  Tete  or- War  Club. 

The  Indians  that  inhabit  ftill  further  to  the  weft- 
ward,  a  country  which  extends  to  the  South  Sea,  ule 
in  fight  a  warlike  hiftrument  that  is  very  uncomnion. 
Having  great  plenty  of  horfes,  they  alwavs  attack  their 
enemies  on  horfeback,  and  encumber  themfelvt^s  with 
no  other  weapon,  than  a  ftone  of  a  middling  fi;:e, 
curinuily  wrought,   which   they   falkn    by   a  Orinff, 
aoout  a  yard  and  a  half  long,  to  their  right  arms,  a 
ittle  above  the  elbow.     Thefe  ftones  thev  convenient- 
ly carry  ,„  their  hands,    .dl  they  reach  their  cnemie-5. 
"."■"      -^-  i'-^igiJig  incm  wiiti  gre.ii  dexterity,  as  they 
ride  full  Ipeed,  never  fail '  of  doing  executi«Mi.     The 
country  which  thefe  tribes  pofr<r       '    .-nding  with 
large  extenfive  plains,  thofe  who  ......k  them  fcldom 

^  return  ; 


lyo 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


return  ;  as  the  fwiftnefs  of  their  horfes,  on  which 
they  are  mounted,  enable  them  to  overtake  even  the 
fleeteft  of  their  invaders. 

The  Naudoweflies,  who  had  been  at  war  with  this 
people,  informed  me,  that  unlefs  they  found  morafles 
or  thickets,  to  which  they  could  retire,  they  were  fure 
of  being  cut  otF  :  to  prevent  this  they  always  took 
care  whenever  they  made  an  onfet,  to  do  it  near  fuch 
retreats  as  were  impaflable  for  cavalry,  they  then  hav- 
ing a  great  advantage  over  their  enemies,  whofe  wea- 
pons would  not  there  reach  them. 

Some  nations  make  ufe  of  a  javelin,  pointed  with 
bone,  worked  into  different  forms  ;  but  their  Indian 
weapons  in  general  are  bows  and  arrows,  and  the  fliort 
club  already  mentioned.  The  latter  is  made  of  a 
very  hard  wood,  and  the  head  of  it  fafliioned  round 
like  a  ball,  about  three  inches  and  a  half  diameter ; 
in  this  rotund  part  is  fixed  an  edge  refembliiig  that 
of  a  tomahawk,  either  of  fteel  or  flint,  whichfoever 
they  can  procure. 

The  dagger  is  peculiar  to  the  Naudoweflie  nation, 
and  of  ancient  conftrudtion,  but  they  can  give  no  ac- 
count how  long  it  has  been  in  lift  among  them.  It 
was  originally  made  of  Hint  or  bone,  but  fince  they 
have  had  communication  with  the  European  traders, 
they  have  formed  it  of  Heel.  The  length  of  it  is 
about  ten  inches,  and  that  part  clofe  to  the.  handle 
nearly  three  inches  broad.  Its  edges  are  keen,  and 
it  gradually  tapers  towards  a  point.  They  wear  it  in 
■a  ilieath  made  of  deer's  leather,  neatly  ornamented 
with  porcupine  quills  ;  and  it  is  ufually  hung  by  a 
ilring,  decorated  in  the  fame  manner,  which  reaches 
as  low  only  as  the  brealt.  This  curious  weapon  is 
worn  by  a  few  of  the  principal  chiefs  alone,  and  con- 
iidered  both  as  .mi  uieful  inilrument,  and  an  orna- 
niei,tai  badge  of  ti'iM^rionty. 

I  obfervcd  among  the  Naudoweflies  a  few  targets 
or  fliiclds  made  of  raw  buffalo  hides,  and  in  the  form 

of   , 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


171 


of  thofe  ufed  by  the  ancients.  But  as  the  number  of 
thete  was  fmall,  and  I  could  gain  no  intelligence  of 
the  sera  in  which  they  firft  were  introduced  among 
them,  I  fuppofe  thofe  I  faw  had  defcended  from,  fa- 
ther to  fon,  for  many  generations. 

The  reafons  the  Indians  give  for  making  war  a^ainft 
one  another,  are  much  the  fame  as  thofe  ur^ed  by 
more  civihzed  nations  for  difturbing  the  tranquillity 
of  their  neighbors.  The  pleas  of  the  former  are 
however  m  general  more  ratiortal  and  juft,  than  fuch 
as  arc  brought  by  Europeans  in  vindication  of  their 
proceedmgs. 

The  extenfion  of  empire  is  feldom  a  motive  with 
the(e  people  to  invade,  and  to  commit  depredations 
on  the  territories  of  thole  who  happen  to  dwell  near 
them.  J  o  fecure  the  rights  of  hunting  within  par- 
ticular hmits,  to  maintain  the  Hberty  of  pamnff 
through  their  accullomed  tracks,  and  to  guard  thofe 
lands  which  they  confider  from  a  long  tenure  as  their 
own,  agamft  any  infringement,  are  the  general  caufes 
of  thofe  diflentions  that  fo  often  break  out  between 
the  Indian  nations,  and  which  are  carried  on  with  fo 
much  animofity. 

Thouglx  ftrangers  to  the  idea  of  feparate  property, 
yet  the  moft  uncultivated  among  them  are  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  rights  of  their  community  to  the 
domains  they  poflefs,  and  oppofe  ^vith  vigor  every  en- 
croachment on  them.  , 

Notwithrtanding  it  is  generally  flippofcd  that  from 
heir  territories  being  fo  extenfive,  the  boundaries  of 
hein  cannot  be  afcertained,  yet  I  am  well  aflured  that 
the  limits  of  each  nation  in  the  interior  parts  are  laid 
down  m  their  rude  plans  with  gaeat  precifion.  i  y 
theirs,  as  I  have  before  obferved,  was  I  enabled  to  reg- 
u.ate  my  ---  ^  ^nj  afj^j-  ^j^^  ^^^^-^  ^^^^^  obfervations 
and  inquiries  I  found  but  very  few  inftances  in  which 
tney  erred. 

But 


172 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


But  interefl:  is  not  either  the  moft  frequent  or  niort 
powerful  incentive  to  their  making  war  on  each  oth- 
er. The  paflion  of  revenge,  which  is  the  diftinguiih- 
ing  charaderiftic  of  thefe  people,  is  the  moll  general 
motive.  Injuries  are  felt  by  them  with  exquilite  fcn- 
fibility,  and  vengeance  purfucd  with  unremitted  ardor. 
To  this  may  be  added,  that  natural  excitation  which 
every  Indian  become  fenlible  of,  as  Ibon  as  he  a|> 
proaches  the  age  of  manhood  to  give  proof  of  his  val- 
or and  prowefs. 

As  they  are  early  poffeflcd  with  a  notion  that  war 
ought  to  be  the  chief  bufmefs  of  their  lives,  that  there 
is  nothing  more  deilrous  than  the  reputation  of  being 
a  great  warrior,  and  that  the  fcalps  of  their  enemies, 
or  a  number  of  prifoners  are  alone  to  be  efteemed  val- 
j:;b  e,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  yoimg  hi- 
i'.i^'M  are  continually  reftlefs  and  uneafy  if  their  ardor 
iS  vcprefTed,  and  they  are  kept  in  a  ftate  of  inadlivity. 
I'tther  of  thffe  propenfities,  the  defire  of  revenge  or 
the  gratification  of  an  impulfe,  that  by  degrees  be- 
comes habitual  to  them,  is  fujEKcient,  frequently,  to  in- 
duce them  to  commit  hofiilities  on  fome  of  the  neigh- 
bouring  nations. 

When  the  chiefs  find  any  occafion  for  making  war, 
they  endeavor  to  aroufe  their  habitudes,  and  by  that 
means  foon  excite  their  warriors  to  take  arms.  To 
this  purpofe  they  make  ufe  of  their  martial  eloquence, 
nearly  in  the  following  words,  which  never  fails  of 
proving  efFedtual  j  **  the  bones  of  our  dc'ceafed  coun- 
trymen lie  uncovered,  they  call  out  to  us  to  revenge 
their  wrongs,  and  we  muft  fatisfy  their  requeft.  Their 
fpirits  cry  out  againft  us.  They  muft  be  appeafed. 
The  genii,  who  are  the  guardians  of  our  honor,  in- 
fpire  us  with  a  refolution  to  feek  the  enemies  of  our 
murdered  brothers.  Let  us  go  and  devour  thofe  by 
whom  they  were  flain.  Sit  therefore  no  longer  inac- 
tive, give  way  to  the  impulfe  of  your  natural  valor, 
anoint  your  hair,  paint  your  faces,  fill  your  quivers, 

caufe 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


'73 


ciufe  the  foreft  to  refound  with  your  fongs,  confole 
the  fpirits  of  the  dead,  and  tell  them  they  {hall  be 
revenged." 

Aniraated  by  thcfc  exhortations  the  warriors  fn-^'-h 
their  arms  in  a  tranfport  of  fury,  fmg  the  fong  o  , 

and  burn  with  impatience  to  imbrue  their  handi  in 
the  blood  of  their  enemies. 

Sometimes  private  chiefs  aflemble  fmall  parties  and 
make  excurfions  againft  thofe  with  whom  they  are  at 
war,  or  fuch  as  have  injured  them.  A  fingl,  warrior, 
prompted  by  revenge  or  a  delire  to  flvow  his  prowefs, 
will  march  unattended  for  feveral  hundred  miles,  to 
furprife  and  cut  off  a  ftraggling  party. 

Thefe  irregular  fallies  however,  are^ot  always  ap*. 
proved  of  by  the  elder  chiefs,  though  they  are' often 
obliged  to  connive  at  them  ;  as  in  the  initant  before 
given  of  the  Naudoweffie  and  Chipeway  nations. 

But  when  a  war  is  national,  and  undertaken  by  the 
community,  their  deliberations  are  formal  and  flow. 
The  elders  iiffemble  in  council,  to  which  all  the  head 
warriors  and  young  men  are  admitted,  where  they 
deliver  their  opinions  in  folemn  fpeeches,  weighing 
with  maturity  the  nature  of  the  enterprife  they  are 
about  to  engage  in,  and  balancing  with  great  fagacity 
the  advantages  or  inconveniences  that  will  arife  from  it. 

Their  priefts  are  alfo  confulted  on  the  fubje^l,  and 
even,  fometimes,  the  advice  of  the  moft  intelligent  of 
their  women  is  afked. 

If  the  determination  be  for  war,  they  prepare  for  it 
with  much  ceremony. 

The  chief  warrior  of  a  nation  does  not  on  all  occa- 
fions  head  the  war  party  himfelf,  he  frequently  de- 
putes a  warrior  of  whofe  valor  and  prutlence  he  has 
a  gouu  opinion,  ihe  perfon  thus  fixed  on  being  firlt 
bedaubed  with  black,  obferves  a  faft  of  feveral  days, 
during  which  he  invokes  the  Great  Spirit,  or  depre- 
cates the  anger  of  the  evil  ones,  holding  whilft  it  lafts 
no  converfe  with  any  of  iiis  tribe. 

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i74 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


He  is  particularly  careful  at  the  fame  time  to  ob- 
fervc  his  dreams,  for  on  thefe  do  they  fuppofe  their 
iuccefs  will  in  a  great  meafure  depend  ;  and  from  the 
firm  perfuafion  everv  Indian,  aftuated  by  his  own 
prefumptuous  thoughts  is  imprefled  with,  that  he  fliall 
march  forth  to  certain  vidlory,  thefe  are  generally  fa- 
vourable to  his  widies. 

After  he  has  fafled  as  long  as  cuftom  prefcribes,  he 
aflembles  the  warriors,  and  holding  a  belt  of  wampum 
in  his  hand,  thus  addrefles  them  : 

«  Brothers  !  by  tlie  infpiration  of  the  Great  Spirit  I 
now  fpeak  unto  you,  and  by  him  am  I  prompted  to 
carry  into  execution  the  intentions  which  I  -am  about 
to  difclofe  to  you.  The  blood  of  our  deceafed  broth- 
ers is  not  yet  wiped  away  ;  their  bodies  are  not  yet 
covered,  and  I  am  going  to  perform  this  duty  to  them." 
Haying  then  made  known  to  them  all  the  motives 
that  induce  him  to  take  up  arms  againft  the  nation 
with  whom  they  are  to  engage,  he  thus  proceeds  :  «'  I 
have  tlierefore  refolved  to  march  through  the  war- 
path to  furprife  them.  We  will  eat  their  flefh,  and 
drink  their  blood  i  we  will  take  fcalps,  and  make  prif- 
oners  ;  and  fhould  we  perifli  in  this  glorious  enter- 
prife,  we  fhall  not  be  for  ever  hid  in  the  duft,  for  this 
belt  fliall  be  a  recompenfe  to  him  who  buries  the 
dead."  Having  faid  this,  he  lays  the  belt  on  the  ground, 
and  he  who  takes  it  up  declares  himfelf  his  lieuten- 
ant, and  is  confidered  as  the  fecond  in  command  y 
this,  however,  is  only  done  by  fome  diftinguiflied 
warrior  who  has  a  right  by  the  number  of  his  I'caips, 
to  the  poft. 

Though  the  Indians  thus  aflert  that  they  will  eat 
the  flelh  and  drink  the  blood  of  their  enemies,  the 
threat  is  only  to  be  confidered  as  a  figurative  ti.pref- 
lion.  Notwitliftanding  they  fometimes  devour  tiie 
hearts  of  thofe  they  flay,  and  drink  their  blood,  by 
way  of  bravado,   or  to  gratify  in  a  more  complete 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


»7f 


manrwr  their  revenge,  yet  they  are  not  naturally  an- 
thropophagi, nor  ever  feed  on  the  flefh  of  men. 

The  chief  is  now  waflted  from  his  fable  covering, 
anointed  with  bear's  fat,  and  painted  \plh  their  red 
paint,  in  fuch  figures  as  will  make  him  appear  moft 
terrible  to  his  enemies.  He  then  fmgs  the  war  fong, 
and  enumerates  his  warlike  adlions.  Having  done 
this  he  fixes  his  eyes  on  the  fun,  and  pays  his  adora- 
tion to  the  Great  Spirit,  in  which  he  is  accompanied 
by  all  the  warriors. 

This  ceremony  is  followed  with  dances,  fuch  as  I 
have  before  deferibed  ;  and  the  whole  concludes  with 
a  feaft  which  ufually  confifts  of  dog's  flelh. 

This  feaft  is  held  in  the  hut  or  tent  of  tlie  chief . 
warrior,  to  which  all  thofe  who  intend  to  accompany 
him  in  his  expedition  fend  their  difiies  to  be  filled  ; 
and  during  the  feaft,  notwithftanding  he  has  fafted 
fo  long,  he  fits  compofedly  with  his  pipe  in  his  mouth, 
and  recounts  the  valorous  deeds  of  his  family. 

As  the  hopes  of  having  their  wounds,  fhould  they 
receive  any,  properly  treated,  and  expeditioufly  cured, 
muft  be  fome  additional  inducement  to  the  warriors 
to  expofe  themfelves  more  freely  to  danger,  the  priefts, 
who  ai-e  alfo  their  dodors,  prepare  fuch  medicines  as 
will  prove  eflacacious.  With  great  ceremony  they 
carry  various  roots  and  plants,  and  pretend  that  they 
impart  to  them  the  power  of  healing. 

Notwithfiranding  this  fuperflitious  method  of  pro* 
ceeding,  it  is  very  certain  that  they  have  actjuired  a 
knowledge  of  many  plants  and  herbs  that  are  of  a 
medicinal  quality,  and  which  tliey  know  how  to  ufe 
with  great  Ifcill. 

From  the  time  the  refolution  of  engaging  in  a  war 
IS  taken,  to  the  departure  of  the  warrioi's^  the  niffhts 
are  fpent  in  feftivity,  and  their  days  in  making°the 
needful  preparations. 

If  it  is  thought  neceflary  by  the  nation  going  to 
war,  to  foUcit  the  aUiance  of  any  neighbouring  tribe, 

they 


tyC 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


thejr  fix  upon  one  of  their  chiefs  who  fpeaks  the  lan- 
guage of  that  people  well,  and  who  is  a  good  orator, 
and  fend  to  them  by  him  a  belt  of  wampum,  on  which 
is  fpecified  the  purport  of  the  embaiiy  in  figures  that 
every  nation  is  well  acquainted  with.  At  the  fame 
time  he  carries  with  him  a  hatchet  painted  red. 

As  foon  as  he  reaches  the  camp  or  village  to  which 
he  is  deftined,  he  acquaints  the  chief  of  the  tribe  with 
the  general  tenor  of  his  commilTion,  who  immediately 
aflembles  a  council,  to  which  the  ambafTador  is  in- 
vited. There  having  laid  the  hatchet  on  the  ground 
he  holds  the  belt  in  his  ':.ind,  and  enters  more  mi- 
nutely  into  the  occafion  ot  his  embafly.  In  his  fpeech 
he  invites  them  to  take  up  the  hatchet,  and  as  foon  as 
he  has  finifhed  fpeaking  delivers  the  belt. 

If  his  hearers  are  inclined  to  become  auxiliaries 
to  his  nation,  a  chief  fteps  forward  and  takes  up  the 
hatchet,  and  they  immediately  efpoufe  with  fpirit  the 
caufe  they  have  thus  engaged  to  fupport.  But  if  on 
this  application  neither  the  belt  or  '  het  are  accept- 
ed, the  emifiary  concludes  that  f  jople  whofe  af- 
liftance  he  foiicits  have  already  entered  into  an  alli- 
ance with  the  foes  of  his  nation,  and  returns  with 
ipeed  to  inform  his  countrymen  of  his  ill  fuccefs. 

The  manner  in  which  the  Indians  declare  war 
againft  each  other,  is  by  fending  a  flave  with  a  hatch- 
et, the  handle  of  which  is  painted  red,  to  the  nation 
which  they  intend  to  break  with  ;  and  the  rheffenger, 
notwithftanding  the  danger  to  which  he  is  expofed 
from  the  fuddexi  fury  of  thofe  whom  he  thus  fets  at 
defiance,  executes  his  commiffion  with  great  fidelity. 

Sometimes  this  token  of  defiance  has  fuch  an  in- 
ftantaneous  effect  on  thofe  to  whom  it  is  prefented, 
that  in  the  firft  tranfports  of  their  fury  a  fmall  party 
will  iiiue  forth,  without  waiting  for  the  pcrmiflTaon  ot 
the  elder  chiefs,  and  flaying  the  firft  of  the  oftending 
nation  they  meet,  cut  open  the  body  and  ftick  a  hatch- 
et of  the  fame  kind  as  that  (hey  have  juft  received, 

into 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


:rs  more  mi- 


'^^ 


177 


into  the  heart  of  their  flaughtered  foe.  Among  the 
more  remote  tribes  this  is  done  with  an  arrow  or  fpear, 
the  end  of  which  is  painted  red.  And  the  more  to 
exafperate,  they  difmember  the  body,  to  fhow  that 
they  efteem  them  not  as  men,  but  as  old  women. 

The  Indians  feldoni  take  the  field  in  large  bodies, 
as  fuch  numbers  would  require  a  greater  degree  of 
induftry  to  provide  for  their  fubfiftence,  during  their 
tedious  marches  through  dreary  forefts,  or  long  voy- 
ages over  lakes  and  rivers,  than  they  would  care  to 
bcftow. 

Their  armies  are  never  encumbered  with  baggage 
or  military  ftores.  Each  warrior,  befides  his  weapons, 
carries  with  him  only  a  mat,  and  whilft  at  a  diftance 
from  the  frontiers  of  the  enemy  fupports  himfelf  with 
the  game  he  kills  or  the  fiili  he  catches. 

When  they  pafs  through  a  country  where  they  have 
no  apprehenfions  of  meetirj  with  an  enemy,  they  ufe 
very  little  precaution,  fometimes  there  are  fcarcely  a 
dozen  warriors  left  together,  the  reft  being  difperfed 
in  purfuit  of  their  game  ;  but  though  they  ihould  have 
roved  to  a  very  confiderable  diftance  from  the  war- 
path, they  are  fure  to  arrive  at  the  place  of  rendezvous 
by  the  hour  appointed. 

They  always  pitch  their  tenis  long  before  funfet  j 
and  being  naturally  prefumptuous,  take  very  little  care 
to  guard  againft  a  furprife.  They  place  great  confi- 
dence in  their  Manitous,  or  houfehold  gods,  which 
they  always  carry  with  them  ;  and  being  perfuaded 
that  they  take  upon  them  the  office  of  ccntinels,  they 
fleep  very  fecurely  under  their  proteftion. 

Thefe  Manitous,  as  they  are  called  by  fome  nations, 
but  which  are  termed  Wakons,  that  is  fpirits,  by  the 
Naudoweffies,  are  nothing  more  than  the  otter  and 
— ....  intus  i  iiavt^  u:ic.tuy  ucicnucu,  lor  wmcQ 
however,  they  have  a  great  veneration. 

After  they  have  entered  the  enemy's  country,  no 
people  can  be  more  cautious  and  ch-cumfpeiH:  j  fires 

are 


178 


€ 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


are  no  longer  lighted,  no  more  fhouting  is  heard,  nor 
the  game  any  longer  purfued.  They  are  not  even 
permitted  to  Ipeak  ;  but  muft  convey  whatever  they 
have  to  impart  to  each  other  by  figns  and  motions. 

They  now  proceed  wholly  by  ftratagem  and  am- 
bufcadc.  Having  difcovered  their  enemies,  they  fend 
to  reconnoitre  them  }  and  a  council  is  immediately 
held,  during  which  they  fpeak  only  in  whifjjers  to  con- 
fider  of  the  intelligence  imparted  by  thofe  who  were 
fent  out. 

The  attack  is  generally  made  juft  before  day  break, 
at  which  period  they  fuppofe  their  foes  to  be  in  their 
foundeft  flaep.  Throughout  the  whole  of  the  pr<;- 
ceding  night  they  will  he  flat  upon  their  faces,  with- 
out ftirring  ;  and  make  their  approaches  in  the  fame 
pofture,  creeping  upon  their  hands  and  feet  till  they 
are  got  within  bow  fhot  of  thofe  they  have  deftined  to 
deftruftion.  On  a  fignal  given  by  the  chief  warrior, 
to  which  the  whole  body  makes  a:\fwer  by  the  moft 
hideous  yell,  they  all  ftart  up,  and  difcharging  their 
arrows  in  the  fame  inftant,  without  giving  their  ad- 
verfaries  time  to  recover  from  the  confufion  into 
which  they  are  thrown,  pour  in  upon  them  \vith  their 
war  clubs  or  tomahawks. 

The  Indians  think  there  is  little  glory  to  be  acquir- 
ed from  attacking  their  enemies  openly  in  the  field ; 
their  greateft  pride  is  to  furprife  and  deftroy.  They 
feldom  engage  without  a  manifeft  appearance  of  advan- 
tage.  If  they  find  the  enemy  on  their  guard,  too 
ftrongly  entrenched,  or  fuperior  in  numbers,  they 
retire,  provided  there  is  an  opportunity  of  doing  fo. 
And  they  efteem  it  the  greateft  qualification  of  a 
chief  warrior,  to  be  able  to  manage  an  attack,  fo  as 
to  deftroy  as  many  of  the  enemy  as  poffible,  at  the  cx- 
penfe  of  a  few  men. 

Sometimes  they  fecure  themfelves  behind  trees, 
hillocks,  or  ftones,  and  having  given  one  or  two 
rounds,  retire  before  they  are  difcovered.    Europeans, 

who 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ,7^ 

who   are  unacquainted  ^{th    this    method  of  fight- 
.ng_^too  often  find  to  their  coil:  the  deftruftive  efficacy 

General  Braddock  was  one  of  this  unhappy  num. 
ber     Marchmg  m  the  year  ,755,  to  attack  Fort  Du 
Quefne,  he  was  mtercepted  by  a  party  of  French  and 
ccifederate  Indians  m  their  intereft,  who  by  this  in- 
sidious  method  of  engaging  found  means  to  defeat 
his  army     which   confifted   of  about   two   thoufand 
br.ve  and  well  difc.plined  troops.     So  fecurely  were 
he  Indians   pofted,  that  the   Englifh  fcarcely  knew 
from  whence  or  by  whom  they  where  thus  annoyed. 
During  the  whole  of  the  engagement  the  latter  had 
fcarce  y  a  fight  of  an  enemy  ;  and  were   obliged  to 
retreat  without  the  fatisfafiion  of  being  able  to  take 
he  leaft  degree  of  revenge  for  the  havoc  made  among 
hem.     The  General  paid  for  his  temerity  with  his 
life,  and  was  accompanied  in  his  fall  by  a  great  num- 
be  of  brave.fellows  j  whilft  his  invifible  enemies  had 
only  two  or  three  of  their  number  wounded. 

When  the  Indians  fucceed  in  their  filent  approach- 
es and  are  able  to  force  the  camp  which  they  attack, 
a  fcene   of  horror  that  exceeds  defcription,  enfues 
Ihe  lavage  fiercenefs  of  the  conquerors,  and  the  d(*f- 
peration  of  the  conquered,  who  well  know  what  thev 
have  to  expert  fhould  they  fall  alive  into  the  hand, 
ot  their  affailants,   occafion  the   moft   extraordinary 
exertions  on  both  fide,.     The  figure  of  the  combat 
ant  all  befmeared  with  black  and  red  paint,  and  cov- 
ered with  the  blood    of  the  flain,  th?ir  horrid  yeUs 
and  ungovernable  fury,  are  not  to  be  conceived  by 
thole  who  have  never  crofled  the  Atlantic 
^  I  have  frequently   been   a  fpertator   of  them,   and 
once  bore  a  part  m  a  fimilar  fcene.  But  what  added 

to  tne  hnrrnr   nf  if-  «roo    *U«*  T  u- j  „  _.   .1  ^  .     . 

of  being  able  to  oppofe  their  favage  attacks.  Every 
circumftance  of  the  adventure  ftiU  dwells  on  my  re- 
membrance, and  enables  xne  to  defcribe  with  greater 

perii»icuitjr 


i8o 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


perfpiculty  the  brutal  fiercenefs  of  the  Indians  when 
they  have  furprifed  or  overpowered  an  enemy. 

As  a  detail  of  the  mallacre  at  Fort  William  Henry, 
in  the  year  I757»  the  fcene  to  which  I  refer,  cannot 
appear  foreign  to  the  defign  of  this  publication,  but 
will  ferve  to  give  my  readers  a  juft  idea  of  the  feroc- 
ity of  this  people,  I  Ihall  take  the  liberty  to  infert  it, 
apologizing  at  the  fame  time  for  the  length  of  the 
digreflion,  and  thofe  egotifms  which  the  relation  ren- 
ders unavoidable. 

General  Webb,  who  commanded  the  Englifh  ar- 
my in  North  America,  which  was  then  encamped  at 
Fort  Edward,  having  intelligence  that  the  French 
troops  under  Monf.  Montcalm  were  making  fome 
movements  towards  Fort  William  Henry,  he  detach- 
ed a  corps  of  about  fifteen  hundred  men,  confifting 
of  Englifli  and  Provincials,  to  ftrengthen  the  garrifon. 
In, this  party  I  went  as  a  volunteer  among  the  latter. 

The  apprehenfions  of  the  Englifti  General  were 
not  without  foundation  ;  for  the  day  after  our  arrival 
we  faw  Lake  George  (formerly  lake  Sacrament)  to 
which  it  hes  contiguous,  covered  with  an  immenfe 
number  of  boats  ;  and  in  a  few  hours  we  found  our 
lines  attacked  by  the  French  General,  who  had  juft 
landed  with  eleven  thoufand  Regulars  and  Canadians, 
and  two  thoufand  Indians.  Colonel  Monro,  a  brave 
oiEcer,  commanded  in  the  Fort,  and  had  no  niore 
than  two  thoufand  three  hundred  men  with  him,  our 
detachment  included.  * 

With  thefe  he  made  a  gallant  defence,  and  proba- 
bly would  have  been  able  at  laft  to  preferve  the  Fort 
had  he  been  properly  fupported,  and  permitted  to 
continue  his  efforts.  On  every  fummons  to  furren* 
der  fent  by  the  French  General,  who  ofered  tk 
»v«rk{V  honorable  termS;  his  anfwer  reneatledly  was. 
That  he  yet  found  himfelf  in  a  condition  tcJ  repel  the 
moft  vigorous  attacks  his  befiegers  were  able  to  make  •, 

and 


pnpalipHlv    was. 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ,8j 

^ildtnt^'t  v^A  ^'^^r'  ^'''''  infufficient,  he 
the '^a^t  t^'^  ""'  *  ^"^-  --»^-  ^-n^ 

t^tt^li^rP""!*?**'  H"S  »^q«''n*«d  General  Webb 
with  W  fitU3t,«„,  and  defired  he  would  fend  him 
feme  fre/h  troqps,  the  General  difpatched  a  mcffJZ 
to  h.rn  wuh  a  letter,  wherein  he  informed  him  ha^lj 

ZTl^  Tr^'V  ^^^  ^'«»'  =»"d  therefore  Le 
h«n  orders  t^  furrender  up,  the  Fort  on  the  beft  tefmJ 

!  tL  T?^- ^""""^^'.^^^  immediately  fent  a  flag, 
o/truce,  defiring  a  conference  with  the  governor.       ^ 
^5^r  accordingly  met,  attended  only  by  a  fmall 

k  knew  no.  how  .hat  could  be.  nor  ihoTd  hJ  fur- 
-emfer  ,,  „p  whilft  i.  was  in  his  power  .o  defend  i 

Itf  u*  .t^'  P^i"  mto  the  Colonel's  hand,  "  By 
th^  a„d,or.ty  do  I  make  the  requiiidon."  The  brave 
Governor  had  no  fooner  read  the  coments  of  k,  4d 

nanaer  m  chief,  and  no.  .0  be  difobeved.  than  h, 
^^i'- t^^^^"^^'  a„dreluaantlX;^d^t^ 

bL\°f '*^'''*'"  ""^  '^^  «'"'"'  *^^^^"*=«  the  garrifon 
S^f  /h^f  ^'''  i^  ^^  P«^«^i«ed  to  ma?ch  out 
^In  .nf  ^r"  :;^.^"''  *^  ^  allowed  covered 
X  p„l  T  P''''  '^^\  '^SW  to  Fort  Edward, 
Sfages.^^     to  proteathem  from  the  fury  of  t|ie 

of^abouuW  thouiand  men,  iSidi^^^  ^^^^Ig 
2'  ^^e  drawn  up  within  the  line^,  and  on  the 
|lH»mtof  marchmg  off,  when  ^eat  numbers  of  the 


^1 

•mi 


i8a 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.    ^ 


Indians  gathered  about,  and  bcgarv  t6  plundwr.  We 
were  at  firil  in  hopes  that  this  was  <lheir  only  view, 
and  fuffercd  thenn  to  proceed  witHtJut  oppofition. 
Indeed  it  was  not  in  ouf  power  to  ntatee  any,  had  we 
been  fo  inclined  i  for  though  we  we^e  permitted  to 
carry  -ff  our  arms,  yet  we  were  not  allowed  a  finglc 
round- of  ammunition.  In  thefe  hopes  however  we 
were  difappointed  )  for  prefently  Tome  of  them  began 
to  attack  the  Cck  and  wounded,  when  fuch  as  were 
not  able  to  crawl  into  the  ralnks,  notWithftanding  they 
endeavoured  ti^  advert  the  fury  of  their  enemies  by 
their  fhrieks  cwr  groans,  were  foon  dilpatched. 

Here  we  were  fully  in  expeihtion  that  the  difturb- 
ance  woukVhave  concluded  j  and  our  little  army  be- 
gan to  moTe  }  but  in  a  ihort  time  we  faw  tfhe  front 
divifion  driven  back,  and  difcovercd  that  we  were  en- 
tirely encn-cled  by  the  favages.  We  expefted  every 
moment  that  the  guard,  which  the  French  by  the 
articles  of  capitulation,  had  agreed  to  allow  us,  would 
have  arrived,  and  put  ^n  end  to  our  apprehenfions  j 
but  none  appeared.  The  Indians  now  began  to  ftrip 
every  one  without  exception  of  their  arms  and  clothes, 
^md  thofe  who  made  thp  leaft  refiftance  felt  the  weight 
of  their  tomahawks. 

I  happened  to  be  in  the  rear  divifion,  but  it  was 
not  long  before  I  fhared  the  fate  of  my  companions. 
Three  or  four  of  the  favages  laid  holjd  of  me,  and 
whilft  fome  held  their  weapons  over  my  head,  the 
others  fo<)n  difrobed'  me  of  tny  coat,  ^aiftcoat.  hat, 
and  buckles,  omitting  not  to  take  from  me  what  mon- 
ey I  had  in  my  pocket.  As  this  was  tranfafted  dofe 
by  the  ^asffagc  that  led  from  the  iines  on  to  the  plain, 
near  which  a  French  centinel  was  ported,  I  ran  to 
him  and  claimed  his  .prote^Hon  ;  but  he  only  called 
me  an  Engliflv  dog,  andthruft  mc  with  violence  back 
again  into  the  midfl:  of  the  Indians. 

I  now  endeavoured  to  join  a  body  of  our  troops 
^;|;hat  were  crowded  together  zX  fome  diftarice;  but 

innumerable 


CARVEIi's  TRAVELS.  .,    ,83 

innumei^ble  were  the  blows  that  were  made  at  me 

rol  nL  r'P  ''"'''  ^^'^^^'^  ^''S^**^^'-'  t»^^t  they 
could  not  ftrike  at  me  without  endangering  each  otbl 

er.     Notwithftanding    which  one    of  them    found 

mcanstomakea  thrdft  at  me  with  a  fpear,  which 

with  the  fame  kmd  of  weapon,  in  my  ancle  At 
length  I  gamed  the  fpot  where  my  countrymen  ftood 
and  forced  m>felf  into  the' midft  W  theT  Sut  S^! 
lore  I  got  thus  far  out  of  the  Ixands  of  the  Indians 
the  collar  ana  wriftbands  of  my  ^hirt.were  aU  th^t* 
remamedofit,and  my  flefh  was  fcratchcd  and  torn 
m  many  places  by  their  favage  gripes. 

BythStmie  the  war  vvhoop  was  given-,  and  the 
fodians  -began  to  murder  thofe  that  were  neareft  t^ 
them  without  diftinaion.  It  is  not  in  the  po^j;  of 
word,  to  give  any  tolerable  idea  of  the  horrid  fcene 
that  now  enfued  ;  ifaen,  women,  and  children  were 
difpatched  m  the  moft  wanton  and  cruel  manner,  and 
immediately  fcalped.     Manyof  thefe  favager^k 

t  i^l:rtounf  ^  ^^^•"^'  - ''  «-i  --  ^- 

We  now  perceived,  though  too  lat^  to  avail  us 
that  we  were  to  expe<ft  no  r '•^^.om  «^  Cn^' 
jnd  that,  contrary  to  the  agree  itnt  they  had  -To  late'- 
figned  to  allow  us  a  fufficient  force  to  proteft  us  fron, 
thcfc  mfults,  they  tacitly  permitted  the  .:';  for  I  could 
pamly  perceive  the  French  officers  walking  about  at 
ft;me  diftance,  difcourfmg  together  with  ap^^t  un. 
6ncern.     For  the  honor  of  hqman  nature  I  wouUi 
We  that  thk  flagrant  breach  of  every  facredTw 
Preceded  rather  from  the  favage  difptffition  of  the 

'fflpoffible   to    cnnfrrt?-    c,nA    «,l,!^l.    „:_i..  -""u" 


P^  have  anived  to  a  pitch' noi'SS/r  ^"Z 
J-amed,  than  to  any  premeditated  defien  in  th- 
fre^ch    coaimander.      An     unprejudiced^  obferver 


184 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


would,  however,  be  apt  to  conclude,  that  a  body  of 
ten  thoufand  troops,  moftly  chriftian  troops,  had  h 
in  their  power  |o  prevent  the  maffacre  from  becom- 
Ung  fo  genenrt.  But  whatever  was  the  caufe  from 
which  it  arofe,  the  confequciices  of  it  were  dread- 
ful,  and  not  to  be  paralleled  in  modern  hiftory. 

As  the  circle  in  which  I  fti^  enclofed  by  this 
-time  was  much  thinned,  and  death  feemcd  to  be  ap- 
proaching with  hafty  ftrides.  It  was  propofed  by  fome 
of  the  moft  refolute  to  make  one  vigorous  effort,  and 
endeavor  to  force  our  way  through  the  favages,  the 
only  probable  method  of  preferving  our  lives  that 
now  remained.'  This,  however  defj^rate,  was  refolv- 
ed  on,  and  about  twenty  of  us  fprung  at  once  into 
the  midfl:  of  them.      ,  ** 

In  a  moment  we  were  all  feparated,  and  what  was 
the  fate  of  my  companions  I  could  not  learn  till  fome 
..months  after,  when  I  found  that  only  fix  or  feven  of 
them  efi'edted  their  delign.  Intent  only  on  my  own 
hazardous  jQtuation,  I  endeavoured  to  make  my  way 
through  my  favage  enemies  in  the  beft  manner  poffi- 
,ble.  And  I  have  often  been  ailonifhed  fiace,  when 
I  have  reco^l^Ped  with  what  compofure  I  took,  as  I 
did,  every  neeeflary  ftep  for  my  prefcrvation.  Some 
I  overturn*^,  .^ipg  at  that  ti*^  ^  youn^  and  athletic, 
a^d  others  I  pafled  by,  dextqroufly  avoiding  their  wea- 
pons •,  till  at  laft'  |wo  very  ffout  chiefs,  of  the  moft 
favage  tribeSi;  J6  I  could  diftinguifh  by  their  drcfs, 
whofe  ftrength  I  could  not  refift,  laid  hold  of  me  by 
each  arm,  and  began  to  force  me  through  the  crowd. 

I  now  refigned myjfetf  to  my  fate,  not  doubting  but 
that  they  intended  to  difpatch  me,  and  then  to  fati- 
ate  their  vengeance  with  my  blood,  as  I  found  they 
were  hurrying  me  towards  a  retired  fwamtp  that  lay 
at  fome  diflance.  But  before  we  had  got  many  yards, 
an  Engliih  gentleman  of  Ibme  diitin^tiony  as  1  could 
difcover  by  his  breeches,  the  only  covering  he  had  on, 
which  were  of  fine  fcarlct  velvet,  ruihed  dofe  by  us. 

One 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


185 


One  of  the  Indians  inftantly  rclinquiihed  his  hold,  and 
fprmging  on  this  new  objeft,  endeavoured  to  fcizc 
him  as  his  prey  j  but  the  gentleman  being  ftrong, 
threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  would  probably  have 
got  away,  had  not  he  who  held  my  other  arm,  quit- 
ted me  to  affift  his  brother.  I  feized  the  opportuni- 
ty, and  haftened  away  to  join  another  party  of  Eng- 
lilh  troops  that  were  yet  unbroken,  and  ftood  in  a 
body  at  fome  diftance.  But  before  I  had  taken  many 
fteps,  I  haftily  caft  my  eye  towards  the  gentleman, 
and  faw  the  Indian's  tomahawk  gaih  into  his  back  and 
heard  hun  utter  his  laft  groan  j  this  added  both  to  my 
fpced  and  defpcration. 

I  had  left  this  Ihocking  fcene  but  a  few  yards,  when 
a  fine  boy  about  twelve  years  of  age,  that  had  hither- 
to efcaped,  came  up  to  me,  and  begged  that  I  would 
let  hun  lay  hold  of  me,  fo  that  he  flight  ftand  fome 
chancfe  of  getting  out  of  the  hands  vf  the  favages. 
1  to.d  him  that  I  would  give  him  every  affiftance  in 
my  power,  and  to  this  purpofe  bid  him  lay  hold  j  but 
m  a  few  momehtshe  was  torn  from  my  fide,  and  by 
his  fhriefcs  I  judge  was  foon  demoliihed.  I  could  not 
help  forgetting  my  own  cares  for  a  minute,  to  lamell^^ 

J5^  ?^  ^"^  y**""S  a  fufferer  i  but  it  Was  utterly  im-  ' 
poUibie  for  me  to  take  any  methods  ^o  prevent  it. 

I  now  got  once  more  into  the  1  ..aft  of  friends,  but 
we  were  unable  to  afford  each  other  any  fuccor.  As 
this  was  the  divifion  that  had  advanced  the  furtheft 
rom  the  fort,  I  thought  there  might  be  a  poffibility 
(though  but  a  bare  one)  of  my  forcing"  my  way  tliroueh 
the  outer  ranks  of  the  Indians,  and  getting  to  a  nel&h- 
bouring  wood,  which  I  perreived  at  fome  diftance.  1 
w^ftiU  encouraged  to  hope  by  the  almoft  miraculous 
w^ervation  I  had  ah-eady  experienced. 
:«^'l.  "P  "ly  hopes  in  vain,  or  the  efforts  I  made 
meffeaual.     Si^Sice  it  to  fay,  that  I  reached  the  wood  ; 

■  e  *r  *'"^^  ^  ^*^  penetrated  a  little  way  into  it, 
n  breath  was  fo  exhaufted  that  I  threw  wyfelf  ip|a 

^^  -  a  brake 


..♦. 


i«6 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


* 


a  brake,  andlay  for  fome  minutes  apparently  at  the 
laft  gafp.  At  length  I  recovered  the  power  of  refpi- 
ration  ;  but  my  apprehenfions  returned  with  all  their 
former  force,  when  I  faw/everalfavages  pafi  by,  prob- 
ably in  purfuit  of  me,  at  no  very  great  diftance.  In 
this  fituation  I  knew  not  whether  it  was  better  to  pro- 
ceed, or  endeavor  to  conceal  myfelf  where  I  lay,  till 
night  came  on  j  fearing,  however,  that  they  would 
return  the  fame  way,  I  thbught  it  moft  prudent  to 
get  ftjrther  from  the  dreadful  fcene  of  my  diftrefles. 
Accordingly,  i^riking  into  another  part  of  the  wood, 
I  haftened  on  as  faft  as  the  briars  and  the  lofs  of  one 
of  my  flioes  would  permit  me  ;  and  after  a  flow  prog- 
refs  of  fome  hours,  gained  a  hill  that  overlooked  the 
plain  which  I  had  juft  left,  from  whence  I  could  dif- 
cem  that  the  bloody  ftorm  ftill  rag«l  with  unabated 
fury.  V 

But  not  to  tire  my  readers,  I  fhall  only  add,  that 
after  paffing  three  days  without  fubfiftence,  and  en- 
during the  fevcrity  of  the  cold  dews  for  three  nights, 
I  at  length  reached  Fort  Edward  j  where  with  proper 
care  my  body  foon  recovered  its  wonted  ftrength, 
and  my  mind,  as  far  as  the  recoUe^ion  of  the  late 
melancholy  events  would  permit,  its  ufual  compofure. 

It  was  computed  that  fifteen  hundred  perfons  were 
killed  or  made  prifoners  by  thefe  favages  during  this 
fatal  day.  Many  of  the  latter  were  carried  off  by 
ihem  and  never  returned.  A  few,  through  favoura- 
ble accidents,  found  their  way  back  to  their  native 
country,  after  having  experienced  a  long  and  fevere 
captivity. 

The  brave  Colonel  Monro  had  haftencd  away,  foon 
after  the  confufion  began,  to  the  French  camp  to  en- 
deavor to  procure  th?  sUard  asreed  hv  th?  ftiDula- 
tion  }  but  his  application  proving  inefte£hial,  he  re- 
mained there  till  General  Webb  fent  a  party  of  troops 
to  demand  an^  prote^  him  back  to  Fort  Edward. 
Bttt  thefe  unhappy  concurrences,  which  would  prob- 

*.  ably 


nnnian  ms« 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


187 


ably  have  been  prevented,  had  He  been  left  to  pur- 
fue  his  own  plans,  together  with  the  lofsof  fo  many 
brave  fellows,  murdered  in  cold  blood,  to  whofe  valor 
he  had  been  fo  lately  a  witnefs,  made  fuch  an  impref- 
fion  o»  his  mind,  that  he  did  not  long  furvive.  He 
died  in  about  three  months  of  a  broken  heart,  and 
with  truth  might  it  be  faid,  tlwt  he  w^  an  honor  to 
his  country. 

I  mean  not  to  point  out  the  following  circumftancc 
as  the  immediate- judgment  of  heav        and  intended 
as  an  atonement  for   this  flaughter  i    but  I  cannot 
omit  that  very  few  of  thofe  differe^Lt  tribes  of  Indians 
that  Ihared  m  it  ever  Uved  to  return  home.     The 
fmall-pox,  by  means  of  their  communication   with 
the  Europeans,  found  its  way  araong  them,  and  made 
m  equal  havoc  to  what  they  themfelves  had  done. 
The  methods  they  purfued  on  the  firft  attack  of  that 
malignant  diforder,  to  abate  the  fever  attending  it, 
rendered  it  fatal.     Whilft  their  blood  was  in  a  ftate 
of  fermentation,  and  nature  was  ftriving  to  thi^w  out 
the  peccant  matter,  they  checked  her  operations  by 
gunging.  into  the  water :  the  confcquence  was  tliat 
they  died  by  hundreds.    The  fe-v  that  furvived  were 
transformed  by  it  into  hideous  objeas,  ai^d  bore  with 
them  to  the  grave  deep  indented  mark*  of  this  much 
dreaded  difeafe. 

Monfieur  Montcalm  fell  foon  after  on  the  plains  of 
C<uebec.  ^ 

rhat  the  unprovoked  cruelty  of  this  commander 
was  not  approved  by  the  generality  of  his  country- 
men, I  have  fince  been  convinced  of  by  many  proofs. 
One  only  however,  which  I  received  from  a  perfon 
who  was  witnefs  to  it,  fli?.ll  I  at  prefent  give.  A  Ca- 
"  "-  ---.—---.^  _*  i\!iviK.  ^ouZia^M MLiuit,  riAVinie  Itcuru 
0*  the  forrendcr  of  the  Englifh  Fort,  celebrated  the 
tortanate  event  with  great  rejoicings  and  hofpitality, 
according  to  the  cuftom  of  that  country  }  but  no 
looner  did  the  news  of  the  mafllicre  which  enfucd 

reach 


z83 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


reach  his  ears,  than  he  put  an  immediate  ftop  to  the 
feftiyity,  and  exclaimed  in  tlie  fevereft  terms  againft 
the  inhuman  permiflion  i  declaring  at  the  fame  time 
that  thofe  who  had  connived  at  it,  had  thereby  drawn 
down,  on  that  part  of  their  king's  dominions  the  ven- 
geance  of  Jieaven.  To  this  he  added,  that  he  much 
feared  the  total  lofs  rf  them  would  defervedly  be  the 
confequence.  How  truly  this  prediftion  has  been 
verified  we  well  know. 

^    But  to  return  :  though  the  Indians  are  negligent 
m  guarding  agj^nft  furprifes,  they  are  alert  and  dex- 
terous m  furprifing  their  eneDr:es.     To  their  caution 
and  perfeverance  in  ftealing  on  the  party  they  defign 
to  attack,  they  add  that  admirable  talent,  or  rather 
mftmaive  quahfication  I  have  akeady  defcribed,  of 
tracmg  out  thofe  they  are  m  purfuit  of.     On  the 
fmootheft  grafsT,  on  the  hardeft  earth,  and  even  on 
the  very  ftones,  will  they  difcover  the  traces  of  an 
enemy,  and  by  the  ihape  of  the  footfteps,  and  the 
diftance    between   the  prints,    diftmguifh  not   only 
whether  it  is  a  man  or  woman  who  has  pafled  that 
way,  but    even   the   nation  to  which  they  belong. 
IJowever  incredible  this  might  appear,  yet,  from  the 
mmy  proofs  I  received  whilft  among  them  of  their 
amazmg  fagacity  in  this  point,  I  fee  no  reafon  to  dif- 
credit  even  thefe  extraordinary  exertions  of  it. 
^    When  they  have  overcome  an  enemy,  and  viftory 
is  no  longer  doubtful,  the  conquerors  firft  difpatch 
all  fuch  as  they  think  they  Ihall  not  be  able  to  carry 
off  without  great  trouble,  and  then  endeavor  to  take 
as  many  prifoners  as  poffible  j  after  this  they  return 
to  fcalp  thofe  who   are  either  dead,  pr  too  much  ' 
wounded  to  be  taken  with  them. 

At  this  bufmefs  they  are  exceedingly  expert.    They 


ytt.    ucMU 


UllU 


placmg  one  of  their  feet  on  the  neck,  twift  their  left 

hand  m  the  hair  }  by  this  means,  having  extended  the 

ikm,  th»t  covers  the  top  of  the  head,  they  draw  out 

'  '  '    -  their 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS, 


X89 


their  fcalpmg  knives,  which  are  always  kept  in  good 
order  foi-  this  cruel  purpofe,  and  with  a  few  dexterous 
ftrokes  take  ofF  the  part  that  is  termed  the  fcalp. 
They  are  fo  expeditious  in  doing  this,  that  the  whole 
time  required  fcarcely  exceeds  a  minute,  xtefe  they 
preferY€  as  monuments  of  their  prowefs,  and  at  the 
fame  time  as  proofs  of  the  vengeance  they  have  in- 
flifted  on  their  enemies.  r; 

If  two  Indians  ieize  in  the  fame  inftant  a  prffoner, 
and  feeni  to  have  an  equal  claim,  the  conteft  between 
them  is  foon  decided  j  for  to  put  a  fpeedy  end  to  any 
difpute  that  might  arife,  the  perfon  that  is  apprehen- 
fivc  he  ihall  lofe  his  expefted  reward,  immediatly 
has  recourfe  to  his  tomakawk  or  war  dub,  and  knocks 
on  the  head  the  unhiappy  caufe  of  their  conten- 
tion. 

Having  completed  their  purpofes,  and  made  as 
much  havoc  as  poffible,  they  immediately  retire  to- 
wards their  own  country,  with  the  fpoil  they  hkvc 
acquired,  for  fear  of  being  purlued. 

Should  this  be  the  cafe,  they  make  ufeof  many 
ib-atagems  to  elude  the  fearches  of  their  pursers. 
Ihey  fometimes  fcatter  leaves,  fand,  or  daft  over 
the  prints  of  their  feet  j  fometimes  tread  in  each 
other's  footfteps  :  and  fometimes  lift  their  feet  fo  high 
and  tread  fo  lightly,  as  not  to  make  any  impreffion  on 
the  ground.  But  if  they  find  all  thefe  precautions 
unavailing,  and  that  they  are  near  being  overtaken, 
they  firft  difpatch  and  fcalp  their  prifoners,  and  then 
dividing,  each  endeavors  to  regain  his  native  coun- 
try by  a  different  route.  This  prevents  all  further 
purfuit  ;  for  their  purfuers  now  defpairing,  either  of 
gratifying  their  revenge,  or  of  releafing  thofe  of  their 
friends  who  were  n>ade  captives,  rCiurn  home. 

--  -.1-.  iu-,i.».i=iui  I'cucjf  15  iu  iucky  (is  to  inaKe  good 
their  retreat  unmolefted,  they  haften  with  ihe  greateft 
^edition  to  r«ach  a  country  where  they  may  be  pcr- 
fetlly  fecuFC  i  and  that  their  wounded  companions 

may 


ipo 


GAR¥ER's   TRAVELS. 


may  not'ret^d  their  flight,  they  carry  them  by  turns 

Thjir  litters  are  made  in  a  rude  manner  of  thi- 
branches  of  trees.     Their  fledges  confift  of  two  fm^! 

ix"feeTti:'°TH  t'"''^^^^^  j^'-^'  -^  "- 
iix  teet  long.     The  forepart  is  turned  up,  and  the 

fides  are  bordered  with  imall  bands.  The  Tndi  n 
draw  thefe  carriages  with  great  eafe,  be  they  ever  ?o 

thfc  breaft.  Tlus  collar  is  called  a  Metump,  and  is  in 
ufe  throughout,  America,  both  in  the  fettlments  nd 
the  internal  parts.  Thofe  ufed  in  the  latter  are  made 
of  leather,  and  very  curioufly  wrought. 

«,;.h  ^i.P"^''"^"^  *^"""S  ^^^^  "^-^ch  are  guarded 
with  the  greateft  care.  During  the  day,  if  the  lour 
ney  is  over  land,  they  are  always^eld  byVm  of  tl; 
viftorious  party;  if  by  water,  they  Je  faftened  to 
I?o„."Z' '  ^^  .*'  ?^'Sht  time  they  are  ftretched 
^nH  ?  w^^^f  ^"^'^  "^^^^  ^^t^  their  legs,  arms, 
jnd  neck  faftened  to  hooks  5xed  in  the  ground.     T^l 

are  held  by  an  Indian,  who  inftantly  awakes  at  the 
leaft  motion  of  them.  ^ 

Notwithilanding  fuch  precautions  are  ufuaUy  taken 
by  the  Indians,  it  is  recorded  in  the  annals  of  New 

Tt^f^f'  ^''•""^  "''r  '^  -^"^^  '^^  ^ig'l^n^e  of 
fJ^%  warriors,  and  not  only  to  make  he.*  efcape 
from  them,  but  to  revenge  the  caufe  of  her  coun- 
try  men. 

confimn/''-'t*^°'  *  ^^^^  ^^"^  of  Canadian  Indians, 
conhftmg  o,  ten  warriors  attended  by  two  of  their 

nIw  F^'f '  J'"  i{?^'*?"  ^"*°  '^^  '^^^  iettlements  of 
New  England.     They  lurked  for  fome  time  in  the 

length,  after  having  killed  and  fcalped  feveral  people, 
found  means  to  t^ke  prifoner  a  wonSi,,  who  had  with 

her 


aW3V  vnUk.  4, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ,p, 

towards  their  native  countr^^  whirl,  7*  *^'=V'*''^'*^^ 

TTje  fecond  night  of  their  retrcaf    .1,.  » 
whofe  name,  tf  I  miftair,  „„.  "^^^t,  the  woman, 
«folution  worthy  S  Ae  ml'  ^' ^.°""'  ''''™'<' , 

taghtfteftoSfd^IweSl'Sh  ''?''•.   She 
Blades  by  which  they  wt.^  f"  SS  '•"\  hands  the 

eowry  of  her  freedom     T„  ??  ,  *"  *«  '=^ 

™ied  that  hej7o„,„c.I°  4^, PTS^'f'  ""•'"ftc 

ibey  had  fuffered  to  grunbonnJ  ??  i^/°"'  "'""" 
b«»g  ftrprifed  at  wL  trw*  Lbo J^PT' r"** 
"»ved  at  a  diflan„  with  greaT ^^rfl'tL  !l  ^V" 
™pons  of  the  Indian,.  whTch  a^^^^,??  *f"^™ 

-ample  i  =.nd  t4i;g%'Sht''t&S'7»  '""""i" 
Seeping  Indians,  feveral  of  whT^^  Vi*  '^'L"P''«  ** 
pached.  But  her  att«n«  „  *,°  '.""'"'">'  ^- 
il«  imbecility  of  h^rTrj"*  "'"'^  frn(.ratid% 
»d  refolution,  male  a  feelteVT'""*  """^th 
wMch  „„,y  r«ved  .o\w2«*t."Thl'''"' 

and  made  her  efcpe?  '  ^^°  '""^^^  ^"  «n^e, 

.  "^^  heroine  then  topic  off  the  realms  nf  h..  •  ^  « 

edcnemfcs,  and  incizing  ittbrofttLi     '"^"l^ 
awOTteUiv  *t^5_^___^  *"  *"°^e  tney  were  carrvinnr 
,•  ---^i  1 — lii  ^  p»uw*3  ox  their  Uif^^c    /t_   ^  .-">  • 


triumph 


to  the 


lately  beett  dragged; 


^ou*,  ux  their  ibcceft,  fhe  ^u,^ 
whence  fhe  had  f^ ' 
aftbniihment  of  her 
ng^ghborsin 


192 


Ci^VER's  TRAVELS. 


neighbors,  who  could  fcarcdy  credit  their  fcnfes,  or 
the  teftiinonies  fhe  bore  of  her  amaaonian  intrepidity. 

During  their, march  they  oblige  their  prifoners  to 
iing  their  death  ibng,  which  generally  confifts  of 
thde  dr  fimilar  fentenccs  :  "  I  am  going  to  die,  I  am 
about  to  fuffer  •,  but  I  will  bear  the  fevereft  tortures 
my  enemies  can  inflia,"  with  becoming  fortitude.  I 
will  die  like  a  brave  nwp,  and  I  fhall  then  go  to  join 
the  chiefs  that  hav^e  iufFered  on  the  fame  account." 
Thefe  fongs  are  continued  with  necciTary  intervals, 
until  they  reach  the  viUage  or  camp  tp  which  they 
afe  going.  v! 

When  the  warriors  are  arrived  within  hearing,  they 
fet  up  different  cries,  wJhich  cowimunicates  to  their 
friends  a  general  hiftjory  ,of  the  fucccfs  of  the  expedi- 
tion.  ,lhe  number  of  the  death  cries  they  give,  de- 
clare how  many  of  their  own  party  are  loft  5  the  num- 
l^er  of  war  whoops,  the  number  of  prifoners  they  have 
taken. 

It  is  difficult  to  defcribe  thefe  cries,  but  the  beft 
idea  I  can  convey  of  them  is,  that  the  former  coniifts 
of  the  found  whoo,  whoo,  whoop,  which  is  continu- 
«4  in  a  long  ihrill  tone,  nearly  till  the  breath  is  ex- 
haufted,  and  then  broken  off  with  a  fudden  elevation 
of  the  Toice.  The  latter,  is  a  loud  cry,  of  much  the 
iameiand,  which  is  modulated  into  notes  by  the  hand 
being  pJaee4  before  the  moiith.  Bo*h,  of  them  might 
be  heard  to  a  very  confiderable  diftance.    , 

WJiilft  thefe  are  uttering,  the  perfons  to  whom 
they  are  defigned  to  convey  the  intelligence,  contin- 
ue motionlefs  and  all  attention.  When  this  ceremo- 
ny is  performed,  the  whole  village  ifluc  cait  to  learn 
the  particulars  of  the  relation  they  have  juJft  heard  in 
general  terms,  and  according|iy  as  the  news  proves 
mqun^ful  or  the  contrary,  thqy  anfwer  by  fo  many 

MvVis^ii;;:;wi^9  cr  C!7C3  01  iaiIiciiLuuuii&.  ■   > 

'  B^ngby  this  time  arrivecj'.flt  the  village  or  camp, 
the  women  and  children  arm  themfelves  with  fticks 

and 


Be  account." 


CARVER'S  TRfTELS. 


»93 


a«d  bludgeons,  and,  form  tkcmfdvcs  into  two  ranks 
dirough  wluch  the^rifttiers  ar^  pbliged  to  pafs.     The 

ty  ot  the  hne,  js  very  fevere.  Somcftmes  they  are 
fo  beaten  over  the  head  and  face,  as  to  haveScdy 
any  remains  of  hfe  j    and  happy  would  it  be  forTh.m 

li^  Buftf  ".'"^  ""P"''«  their  wretched  £: 
mgs  But  their  tormentprs  take  care  that  none  of 
ke  blows  they  give  prove  mortal,  as  they  wifh  to  r^ 

Tfter\"vr'^'^  ^"^'""'"^  '^^^^  ^--^  ^^'^^^olt 
After  having  undergone  this  introductory  difcipline 
they  are  bound^hand  and  foot,  whilft  the  ch  eS  hold 
acouncil  m  which  their  fate  i.  determined      Thofe 
who  are  decreed  to  be  put  to  death,  by  the  ufual  or 

E  Tto  tr'  r  '""^  ^^^^^  of^the^:~: 

uchasareto  be  fpared,  are  given  into  the  hands  of 
he  chief  of  the  nation  :  fo  that  in  a  flxort  t'me  ^ 

I'aHdhnv/'P''''''  i"'  ^'^  P''""y  ^«^  ««^^anced  in  life. 

and  have  acquired  great  honor  by  their  warlike  deed! 
I  always  atone  for  the  blood  they  have  fni       hi  !k 

tortures  of  fire       Th^.V   r...//  •  ^  ^  ^^  ^^^ 

■  known  hvth.h{  ,        "*''^^^'  '"  '^^^  ^^  rondily 

S  Z     "^  blue  marks  upon  their  breafts  and  arms. 

t^,Zl  "  ''''''''  ^°  *^^  ^^-^  -  ^^ters  arc  to 

I  i^tXT the  f  "^-'1;'^^  hieroglyphics  are  made, 

e»pJ  fl'i^^^^'^f.^he  fkin  with  the  teeth  of  filh,  or  fliaro! 

edfl,nts,  dipped  in  a  kind  of  ink  made  of  the  S^ 

m!"   .uT'-     ^'^^    *hofe  of  the  ancient  Pidb^f 

fintam  thefe  are  efteemed  ornamental  j    and  at  the 

'""'  -"«-•«*  auout  luxii.  indelible 


of  his  valor. 
The  prifoners  deftined 
I  "Wpiace  of  execution 


& 


which 


to  '(ieath  are  foon  led  to 


is  generally  in  tiie  centre 

of 


»Wi   #     'CARPI'S  TRAVELS. 


of  the  camp  or  village  ;  'meiH;,  bckte  ftrJpt,  artd  every 
—  of  their  bodies  blacken^  fflf  ikm  of  a  crow 


part 


or  raven  is  fixed  on  their  heads.  "  They  are  then 
bound  to  a  ftake,  with  faggots  heaped  around  them, 
and  obhgedy  for  the  laft  time,  to  fing  their  death 

The  jvarriors,  for  fuch  it  is  only  who  commonly 
fuffer  thispuniOiment,  now  perform  in  a  more  prolix 
manner  this  fad  folemnitf.  They  recount  with  an 
audible  voice  all  the  mve  adiions  they  have  perform- 
ed, and  pride  themlclves  in  the  number  of  enemies 
they  have  killed.  In  this  rehearfal  they  fpare  not  even 
their  tormentors,  but  ftrive  by  every  provoking  tale 
they  can  invent,  to  inritatc  and  infult  them.  Some- 
tinjcs  this  has  the  defired  effea,  and  the  fufFerers  are 
difpatfched  fooncr  than  they  otherwife  would  have 
bten. 

There  are  m^y  other  methods  which  the  Indians 

■  make  ufe  of  to  put  their  prifoners  to  death,  but  thefe 

are  only  occafional  j  that  of  burnirfg  is  moft  generally 

lifed.  o  / 

Whilft  I  was  at .  the  chief  town  of  the  Ottagaumles, 
an  Ilhnois  Indian  was  brought  in,  who  had  been 
made  a-  prifoner  by  one  of  their  war  parties.  I  had 
tlwn_an  opportunity  of  feeing;  the  cuftomary  cruelties 
mfli^ed  by  thefe  people  on  their  captives,  through 
the  minuteft  part  of  their  procefs.  After  the  previous 
fteps  neceflary  to  tliis  condemnation,  he  was  carried, 
early  in -the  morning,  to  a  little  diftance  from  the 
town,  where  he  was  bound  to  a  tree.' 

This  being  done,  all  the  boys,  who  amounted  to  a 
gi^at  number,  as  the  place  was  populous^  were  per- 
mitted to  amufe  themfelves  with  Ihooting  their  ar- 
rows at  the  unhappy  viftim.     As  they  were  none  of 
thenj  more  than  twcive  years  old,  and  were  placed,  at 


:tsIT.\,j    LilV- 


]»,..„    Ij-..-^ 


'.'rCii^t. 


F*-"~ 


ctrate  to  the  vital  parts,  fo-  that  the  poor  wretch 


flood 


i9S 


CARVER'S  TRAVfiiJi  ^ 

wcafe  his  tortures  thai-  k«  •  ^"^uce  them  to  in- 
greater  pr^fs  of  forrfrnde  ^tf  *  .-^'fW^  *<>  girc 
«les  of  &,  when  he  w.7'      ,        ""  ^^  ^^^  ^^8- 

have  uttered,  a  S  of  S^">  *^T^  ^°"^'» 

-^^^cii^^^^         '^  -"^<^- 

beneficial  conrequence  ^^r^?  °^"^°^^  ^^an  one 
5-e,  that  diaboSTuft  oLtr  ^^J,  f  ^  '^- 
dooiinant  paffion  in  thi.  hr„ii  ?'  *  's  the  pre. 
"«>7  tribe,  ZTt  K^cs  7he  :^r"'''"''"™«f 

«  not  kacm  how  L  out  S,  ?•  ''°'"™'  "'«' 
H<  ac<,„,i„,ed  them  ?hat  h.  r/u*"""  '"  "'^'h- 
fomeo/,h»;,™„f"  T,  ■-  ''^''  J-o-Mofore  taken 


ipfi        '^'  'CAR^FER^s  TRAVELS. 

full  of  fliarp  fpHnters  of  turpentiue  wood,  to  which 
he  then  fetfire,  and  dancing  ai^nd  them  enjoyed 
the  agonizing  pan^s  of  the  flaming  victims. 

This  bravado,  which  carried  with  it  a  degree  of 
in^lt,  that  even  the  accuftomed  ear  of  an  Indian 
could  riot  liften  to  unmoved,  threw  his  tormentors 
off  theijr^  guard,  and  (hortened  the  duration  of  his 
torments  ;  for  one  of  the  chiefs  ran  to  him,  and 
ripping  out  his  heart,  flopped  with  it  the  mouth  from 
which  had  iflued  fuch  provoking  language. 

Innumerable  are  the  ftories  that  may  be  told  of  the 
courage  and  refolution  of  the  Indians,  who  happen 
to  be  made  prifoners  by  their  adverfaries.  Many 
that  I  have  heard  nre  fo  aftonifhing,  that  they  feem 
to  exceed  the  utmoft  limits  of  credibility  ;  it  is,  how- 
ever, certain  that  thefe  favages  are  poflHTed  with  raa- 
ny  heroic  qualities,  and  bear  every  fpecies  of  misfor- 
tunes with  a  degree  of  fortitude  which  has  not  been 
outdone  by  any  of  the  ancient  heroes  either  of  Greece 
or  of  Rome. 

Notwithftandlng  thefe  afts  of  feve^ity  exercifed 
by  the  Indians  towards  thofe  of  their  own  fpeciPs, 
■i^ho  fall  into  their  hr  ds,  fome  tribes  of  them  have 
been  remarked  for  tiicir  moderation  to  fuch  female 
prifoners,  belonging  to  the  Englifh  colonies  as  have 
happi^ned  tc  be  taken  by  them.  Women  of  great 
beauty  havr  frequently  been  carried  off  by  them,  and 
during  a  narch  of  three  or  four  hundred  miles, 
through  tneir  retired  forefts,  have  lain  by  their  fides 
without  receiving  any  infult,  and  their  chaftity  has 
remained  inviolate.  Inftances  have  happened  where 
female  captives,  who  have  been  pregnant  at  the  time 
of  their  being  taken,  have  found  the  pangs  of  child- 
birth come  upon  them  in  the  midft  of  folitary  woods, 
and  favages  their  only  companions  ;  yet  from  thefe, 
favages  •^s  they  were,  have  they  received  every  affifi:- 
ance  their  fituation  would  admit  of,  and  been  treated 
with  a  degree  of  delicacy  and  humanity  they  litt.<: 
expected.  This 


This  i 

not  proc 

only  irth 

tion  with 

iiig  that 

enjoy  the 

taken  gn 

Indians  t 

has  difFu 

proved  of 

Thofe 

of  grace, 

women,  a 

who,  aftei 

to  die,  hoi 

A  heral 

notice  tha 

expedition 

which  is 

Iiave  loft  t 

fied  in  the 

deprived  ol 

fanguinity. 

The  divi 

«•  cafes,  w 

wceived  an 

and  having 

w^ounds,  if 

then  clothe 

ble  and  refr 

Whilft  th 

deavor  to  a< 

them  that  as 

now  be  cht 

J^eu",  withoi 

''e  wanting  ( 

of  their  coiir 

low  of. 


CARVER'S  TRAVas.  .  ^^^ 

onl/ inherent 'rife 'X  ht';  £""""'  """  " 

proved  of  pubHcutm,;^^  ""'"■  """'"='-^'   "-^  h" 

-odie  hoy »  S7- ,:t  rpofe. "'  ^°"''''"-'' 

«Hi.ion.  are  defted  o  ^enf  ^J!' ,»  *^  l?« 
which  is  about  to  take  IhJ  "A  r  '"''*■■*"""'« 
liave  loft  their  fons  T^h  ^t  j      ''"'^  ''■'""»"  *''>» 

tlen  covLVm  ^     'PP?  '°  '■^"^  received  any  ;  they 

Whilft  ,K  •     ^*      J    ""'"'  ^'"re  Will  afford. 
dJor  S    r--"'^"  ''°'"='*'"  "re  «==*"g.  they  eo. 
Zm,h,  "^"r^"^  confolation  to  the,n  ,  ttey  S 

of  Ae°r  colnL  1^  ^'™/'"=''  atonement  for  the  loii 
R3  If 


198 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


H|H| 

1 

-T^BBtf*  >'  It?@wl 

1 

H^^. 

^\'  ■ 

■P 

^Bli 

kn 

>n 


i;it 


to 


If  any  men  arc  fpared,  they  are  commonly  given 
to  the  widows  that  have  loft  their  hufbands  by  the 
hand  of  the  «nemy,  fliould  there  be  any  fuch,  to 
whom,  if  they  happen  to  prove  agreeable,  they  are 
foon  marrieii.  But  fhould  the  dame  be  other  wife 
engaged,  the  life  of  him  v/ho  falls  to  her  lot  u 
great  danger  ;  efpecially  if  Ihe  fancies  that  her 
hufband  wants  a  flave  in  the  country  of  fpints, 
which  he  is  gone.  << 

When  this  is  the  cafe,  a  nimiber  of  young  men 
take  the  devoted  captive  to  fome  diftance,  and  dif- 
patch  him  without  any  ceremony  :  after  he  has  been 
fpared  by  the  council,  they  confider  him  of  too  little 
confequence  to  be  entitled  to  the  torments  allotted  to 
thofe  who  have  been  judged  worthy  of  them. 

The  womni  are  ufually  diftributed  to  the  men, 
from  whori  ":ey  do  not  fail  of  meeting  with  a  favour- 
able  reception.  The  boys  and  girls  are  taken  into 
the  families  of  fuch  as  have  need  of  them,  and  are 
confidered  as  flaves  i  and  it  is  not  uncommon  that 
they  are  fold  in  the  fame  capacity  to  the  European 
traders  who  come  among  them. 

The  Indians  have  no  idea  of  moderating  the  rav- 
ages of  war,  by  fparing  their  prifoners  and  entering 
into  a  negociation  with  the  band  from  whom  they 
have  been  taken,  for  an  exchange.  All  that  are  cap- 
tivated by  both  parties,  ai-e  either  pxit  to  death,  adopt- 
ed, or  mad'"  Aaves  of.  And  tu.  j>;uti.  ►lar  are  e  vnr 
nation  in  this  refpedt,  that  if  .-•  •  i  ,  -r  tribe,  „..a 
a  warrior,  fhould  be  taken  pmuiier,  and  by  chance 
be  received  into  the  houfe  of  grace,  either  as  an  adopt- 
«d  perfon  or  a  flave,  and  fhould  afterwards  make  his 
efcape,  they  will  by  no  means  receive  him,  or  ac- 
knowledge him  as  one  of  their  band. 

i..ic  coiiuition  Ox  iucii  as  arc  adapted,  diiters  iwi 
in  any  one  inftanee  from  the  children  of  the  nation 
to  •  nich  they  now  belong.  They  affume  all  the 
V^tits  of  thole  whofc  places  they  fupply,  and  frc- 

.  qucntly 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


'' ildren,  and  an>rnK.f„l  „r.r         T"    ^*    unnatural 

European  governors  of  she  out  nr,f«  .  J"  'i" 
peri„tendan>  or  ™mn,frari«  T'SdS,  rflt^  ^• 
have  been  informed  that  it  was  ih,  W  ',  .i"'  ' 
m  ffionaries  that  firft  t,U  ^  j  T'""^  »"'*  '^■^"ch 
.hefe  unhappy  cattl«t°"l''''.  '"""•i-aion  of 
•h>-  by  fo  doinffuur^,  .K  .  f-  '«"™ents,  and 
valuable.  ^      ^^'  "■=  '"'^"'  *•«  'hey  were 

eo'^'af  brr.  mltdTiSy'ru^' „1  *f  "»«'- 

■mich  b.-,rb.,rity  and  blocSd   h„.  «       ?  '^  '^"'"" 
nities  of  fpreading  the^  reS  ?'  °PP°""- 

«i-    To  this  mm^ft  Th^„  *      """"f  *'="'  '""'•f- 

^rchafe  f„eh^^.Ti;%L':;^^rwltr '-^ '"'''"  •» 
no.  h'o^er  f^S'.olhf  ""^^  of  p^ceeding  w«, 
fohers.  7nfte:rof'bJ„'g  '^JlZ' 1 '^"^  ^'"'" 
""dty  ,:„,  bloodftedr  h  only  Snfed  ^/'^"'^^ 
^..en  the  Indian  nations  .o  "t^lSre'^l'S'^^^t 

or  fame  b„t Ti,;  ^  •  "'  '^""S  "°  '""«"  -^enKe 
for  whSh  M,.  »^r"-™™'  of  fpirituous  li,„o„! 
of  with  alm^ft  "'""'''  ""^  '0  •«  «cl»»g«d?  S 


and  carry  them  off. 


furprife 


•ormcnted  ad  put  to  d«.th,  fiu„  theft  ei^i^t 


of 


209 


CARVER'S  TRAVE]US. 


of  receiving  fo  valuable  a.confideratipn  for  tUepi  have 
been  e?ccited  than  there  ufpally  had  be§n  ;  but  it  does 
not  appear  that  their  accuftomed  crviehy  to  the  war- 
riors they  take,  is  in  the  leaft  abated  j  their  natural 
4efire  of  vengean(;:e  muft  be  gratified  ;  they  now  only 
l?ecorne  more  affiduous  in  fec^ripg  a  greater  number 
of  young  prifpners,  whilft  thofe  who  are  made  cap- 
tive  in  their  defence,  are  tormented  and  put  to  death 
as  before. 

The  miffionaries  finding,  that  contrary  to  their 
wrfhes,  their  ze^l  had  only  ferved  to  increafe  the  Mc 
pf  the  noxious  juices,  applied  to  the  governor  of 
Canada,  in  the  year  i<593,  for  a  prohibition  of  this 
|)aneful  trade.  An  order  was  iffued  accordingly,  but 
it  could  not  put  a  total  ftop  to  it  j  the  French  Couri- 
ers de  Bois  were  hardy  enough  to  carry  it  on  dandef- 
tinely,  notwithftanding  the  penalty  annexed  to  a 
breach  of  the  prohibition  was  a  confiderable  fine  and 
^mprifonment. 

.  Some  who  were  deteiled  in  the  profecution  of  it, 
,irith<irew  into  the  Indian  countries,  where  they  in- 
termju'tlied  wi^h  the  natives,  and  underwent  a  volun- 
tary banifhment.  'fhefe,  however,  bejng  an  aban- 
doned and  dfibauched  fqt,  their  conduct  contributed 
very  li^le  either  towards  reforming  the  manners  of 
their  new  relations,  or  engaging  them  to  entertain  a 
favourable  opinion  of  tlxe  religion  they  profefled.  Thus 
did  thefe  indefatigable,  religious  mep,  fee  their  defigns 
in  .fpme  meafure  .pnce  moK;  fruftrated. 

However,  the  eoD^igr^tion  was  produ^ive  of  an  ef- 
feft  which  tur^d  opt  to  be  beneficial  to  tbeir  nation, 
Py  the  conn^<Stion  of  tliefe  refugees  with  the  Iroquois, 
Mi^Qfluages,  Hurpns,  Miamies,  Powtowottomies, 
Pua^ts,  (MenoniQnies,  Algonkins,  ^c.  and  the  con- 
ift?nt  iTeprelents^iions  th^ii  ya^-ipus  njniojos  received 
from  them  of  the  power  and  granderur  of  the  French, 
<iO  tiie  aggrandizmnent  of  whofe  monarch,  notwith- 
fta^^iP^  >feeif  ifeaiM&saq»t,  tJiiey  i^  r^aijped  their 

habitual 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  aoi 

habitual  inclination,  the  Indians  became  infenfibly  pre- 
judiced m  favor  of  that  people,  and  I  am  perfuaded 
will  take  every  opportunity  of  flvewing  their  attache 
ment  to  them. 

And  this,  even- in  defpite  of  the  difgraceful  eftima- 
tion  they  muft  be  held  by  them,  fmcc  they  have  been 
dnvcn  out  of  Canada  ;  for  the  Indians  conftder  everv 
conquered    people  as  in  a  ftate  of  vaflalage  to  their 
conquerors.      After    one   nation    has  finallv  fubdued 
another,  and  a  conditional  fubmiffion  is  agreed  on   it 
IS  cuftomary  fcJr  the  chiefs  of  the  conquered,  when 
they  fit  m  council  with  their  fubduers,  to  wear  pcttj- 
^fh^^J""  ^<^^"fw^edgment  that  they  are  in  a  ftatc 
of  lubjeaion,  and  ought  to  be  ranked  among  the  wo- 
men.   Their  partiality  to  the  French  has  however 
taken  too  deepjroot  for  time  itfelf  to  eradicate  it 


CHAPTER  X 
Of  rmin  MANNER  of  MAKzm  PEACE,  ^c. 

A  HE  wars  that  are  carried  on  between  the 
Indian  nations  are  in  general  hereditary,  and  continue 
from  age  to  age  with  a  few  interruptions.  If  a  peace 
becomes  necelTary,  the  principal  care  of  both  parties  is 
to  avoid  the  appearance  of  making  the  firft  advances. 
When  they  treat  with  an  enemy,  relative  to  a  fuf- 
penfion  of  hoftilities,  the  chief  who  is  commiffioned 
to  undertake  the  negociation,  if  it  is  not  brought  about 
t)y  the  mediation  of  fome  neighbouring  band,  abates 
nothmg  of  his  natural  haughtinefs  :  even  when  the  af, 
.«"s  or  nis  country  ^re  in  the  worft  fituation,  he 
makes  no  concefllons,  Bvt  endeavors  to  perfuade  hw 
adverfarie§  that  it  is  their  intereft  to  put  an  end'<» 
the  war.  "  *^ 

Accidents 


*02 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Accidents  fometimes  contribute  to  bring  about  a 
peace  .  between  nations  that  otherwife  could  not  be 
prevaile  '  on  to  liften  to  terms  of  accommodation.  An 
inrtance  of  this,  which  I  heard  of  in  almofl:  every  na- 
tion I  pafl'ed  through,  I  ihall  relate. 

About  eighty  years  ago,  the  Iroquois  and  Chipe- 
ways,  two  powerful  nations,  wer&  at  war  with  the  Ot- 
tagaumies  and  Saukies,  who  were  mucji  inferior  to 
their  adverfaries  both  in  numbers  and  ftrength.  One. 
winter  near  a  thoufand  of  the  former  made  an  excur- 
£on  from  Lake?  Ontario,  by  way  of  Toronto,  toward* 
the  territories  of  their  eneiaies.  They  coafted  L^ke 
Huron  on  its  eaft  and  northern  borders,  till  they  ar- 
rived at  tl;ie  ifland  of  St.  Jofeph,  which ;  is  fitujited  in 
the  Straits  of  St.  Marie.  There  they  croffed  thefe 
Straits  upon  the  ice,  ^ about 'Bfteen  mUes' below  the 
falls,  and  continued  their  route  ftill  weftward.  As 
the  ground  was  Covered  withfnow,  to  prevent  a  dif- 
covery  of  their  numbers,  they  marched  in  a  ilngle  file, 
treading  in  each  others  footfteps. 

Four  Chipeway  Indians,  paffing  that  way,  obferv- 
edthis  army,  aad  rcadijy  ^guefied  from  the  dire«ftion 
of  their  march,  and  the  precautions  they  took,  both 
the  coiftitry  to  which  they  were  haftening,  ^nd  their 
•litflgns. 

Notwithftanding  the  nation  to  which  they  belong- 
ed was  at  war  with  the  Ottagaumies,  and  in  alliance 
with  their  invaders,  yet  from  a  principle  which  can- 
not be  accounted  for,  they  took  an  inft^nt  refplutibn 
to  apprjfe  the  former  of  their  danger.  To  this  pur- 
pofe  they  haftened  away  with  their  ufual  celerity,  and, 
faking  a  circuit  to  avqid  difcovery,  arrived  at  the  hunt- 
ing grounds  of  ^he  Ottagaumies,  before  fo  large  a 
l^pdy,    moving   in   fo   cautimis  a  manner,  could  da 

_  -        J  .-.—       -J.       .-    ...       .  .     ...     ............ 

;f  ^prs,  fome  of  which  were  Saukies,  whom  they  inform- 
t^ioi  the  approach  of  their  eneipi^. 

The 


CARVE^R's  TRAVELS.  203 

.nJhlu^'^'  in^ediately  colleaed  their  whole  force. 
^forth/'^f  «»  the  fteps  that  where  to  be  tX* 

with  th^r  f     T^""''-     ^'    '^'y    ""'''    encumbered 
w.th  their  famihes,  it  was  impomWe  that  they  could 

rereat  mtune;  they  therefore  determined    o^ch^[e 

he  moft  advantageous  fpot,  and  to  give  the  IroSs 

the  beft  reception  in  their  power.  ^roquois 

Not  far  from  the  place  where  they  then  hannpn/.J 
tobe,ftood  twofmall  lakes,  betw7e«  which  ra^^ 
n^row  neck  of  land  about  a  mile  in  length     „d",,! 

tTthXr"-^''-''  !."^^  ^"  ^^^^^^^-  Concluding 
hat  the  Iroquois  intended  to  pafs  through  this  defile 
die  united  bands  divided  their  little  pl-ty  „to  two 
m^  of  two  hundred  each.  One  of  thefe^ooL  poft 
the  extremity  of  the  pafs  that  lay  neareft  to  their 
knting  grounds,  which  they  immediately  fort  fied 
otA^"^^  work  formed  of  palifades  j  whilft  the 

'^i  h  a  dehgn  to  hem  their  enemies  in  when  they  hS 
entered  the  defile.  .  ^    ^ 

JnuK^Tl^  focceeded  ;  forno  fooner  had  the 
tvholeof  the  Iroquois  entered  the  pafs,  than,  beiW 
provided  with  wood  for  the  purpofe,  they  formed  f 

lmm^d;f^'';T'f^  ^'''*"  perceived    their  fituation,    and 

K-    7      u^  P"""^"^"^  *°  extricate  themlblves.     Un- 

hdtf  A^^'^V^'''  ^^^  J"^  ''^'^  Pl^-^»  which 
had  fo  fardiflblvedthe  ice  as  to  render  it  immflable 
?;Ki  yet  there  Ml  remained  fuff.ciem  to  p  e3 Them 

S '•'^''  Pf  "St  °^^^  •  ^^^^  ^'^'  o"  ^^">  or   from 
mmmmg  acros.     In    this    dile„,ma    it    wa»   agr^d 

;!li:'l5f,!^!!  J."'»-J-  !-/--one  of  theLaft 

^oeffeat&'^iVo'Sr  ''''^  """  '""^  ^«"*^^^«dea 

uf^lTi^r"'^'"^  ;^''  ^^^^^^^  ^ith    the 

•ual  compofure  and  unappehenfivenefs  of  Indians, 

they 


204 


LVEPJs  TRAVELS. 


they  amufed  themfelves  three  or  four  days  in  fifliing. 
By  thiij  time  the  ice  being  quite  diirolved,  they  made 
themielves  rafts,  which  they  were  enabled  to  do  by 
Ibthe  trees  that  fortunately  grew  on  the  fpot,  and  at- 
tempted to  cf  ofs  one  <Jf  the  lakes. 

They  accordingly  fet  off  before  day  break ;  but  the 
Ottagumies,  who  had  been  watchful  of  their  motions, 
perceiving  their  defign,  detached  one  hundred  and 
fifty  men  from  each  of  their  parties,  to  oppofe  their 
landing.  Thefe  three  hundred  marched  fo  expedi- 
tioufly  to  the  other  fide  of  the  lake,  that  they  reached 
it  before  their  opponents  had  gained  the  ihore,  they 
bc^g  retarded  by  their  poles  flicking  in  the  mud. 

''^B  foon  as  the  confederates  arrived,  they  poured 
in  a  very  heavy  fire,  both  from  their  bows  and  muf- 
quetry,  on  the  Iroqtjois,  which  greatly  difconcerted 
them  ;  till  the  latter  finding  i^  .eir  fituation  defperate, 
leaped  into  the  water,  and  fought  their  way  throBgh 
^  their  enemies.  This  however  they  could  not  do  with- 
out lofing  more  than  half  their  mqn. 

Alter  the  Iroquois  had  landed,  they  made  good  their 
retreat,  but  were  .obliged  to  leave  their  enemies  maf- 
ters  of  the  field,  and  in  poffefilon  of  all  the  furs  they 
had  taken  during  their  winter's  hunt.  Thus  dearly 
did  they  pay  for  an  unprovoked  excurfion  to  fuch  a 
diftance  from  the  route  they  ought  to  have  purfued, 
and  to  which  they  were  only  impelled  by  a  fudden  de- 
iire  of  cutting  offTome  of  their  ancient  enemies. 

But  had  tliey  known  their  ftrength,  they  might  have 
deftro^ed  ev^y  man  of  the  party  that  oppofed  them } 
which  even  at  the  firft  onfet  was  only  inconfiderable, 
anC  when  diminiflied  by  the  adlion,  totally  unable  to 
make  any  ftand   againft  them. 

The  viftorious  band  rewarded  the  Chipeways, 
'J'ho  had  be^n  the  means  of  their  fuccefs.  with  a  fliare 
of  the  fpoils.  They  preffed  them  to  take  any  quanti- 
ty they  chofe  of  the  richeft  of  the  furs,  and  fent  them 
under  an  efcort  of  fifty  men,  to  their  own  country. 
^  •  The 


CARviU's  TtlAVfe 


■m 


2C^5 


le: 


The  difin  ereftedX:h,peways,  as  the  Indlam  m  gene- 
ral are  ie  dom  aauated  by  mercenary  motives,  ^ 
r^^  tune  ref\.led  theft  pretes,  but  4  Jfe 
lenggp^uadedto  accept  of  thein.  W/m 

.iK^nl!  Jfcl,'?"'r.*'^  refinance  Hfere  made^^y| 

thVon-  ^^^^y^*  :^h«  »^y«"g  al^i^e  on  tins  occa- 

^^mmofity  they  had  To  long  borne  thofe  people, 

«^  of  the  generous  ctfe^uft  of  their  four  chiefs! 

-Opeher  the  means  of  effeaing  u  rcconciliatk 

themtn  fn  1^  f  t'«"«  ^  =^nd  in  proccfs  of  time  unitl 
tlitm  all  m  jjie  bands  ol  amity. 

And  I  believe^  that  all  the  Indians  inhabilirt 
menfive  country,   which  lies  between  Ouebel 
banks  of  the  Miflifippi  no^i  of  ^i-  ^  '^     >- 
fettlements  belonging  to*  "     ~ 
are  at  prefent  in  a  flat 
Itltfk  difpii^fi^oris 
thefJUf 
.„^    on  eacSHfer, 
fouthward,  agaum  the  CEerok^ 
'  laws  or  Illinois.  ' 

Sometimes  the  Indians  grow  tire^  of  I  war  which 
Oiey  have  earned  on  againft  fome  neM^uring  nation 
for  many  year,  without^ch  ibcce^l  in  ^^ 
^ey  feek  for  mediafors  i>  begin  a  negociatimi.  Thefe 
bemg  obtamed,  tJie  treaty  is  thus  conduae^ 

A  number  of  their  o^  chiefs,  joined  by  thofe  who 
have  accepted  the  friendly  ofEce,  fet  out  Lgether  &r 
he  country  of  the^  enemies  ;  ftih  as  a,e  cl^  t 

r  P^^  ^'"''^  '"*^Srity.     They  bear  before  A^ 

«Vs  lacised  badge  of  fnendfhip  were  ever  treated  dif- 
*  *  ^peafuliy, 

li 


Puifionhn,  an 

'*  B&y  Company, 

id  peace.     WTien 

tliem  to  remain 

Idom  commit  Kofi' 
^xcwrfions  to  the 
Eoaahs,   Chicka- 


-'>A' 


■ZoS. 


H^^^'s  TflAVELS. 


$^ 


refpe^ifuUy,  or  its  rights  vIolate(J|-    The  Indians  bc- 

j%ve  that  the  Grot  Spirlt'never  fuffers  an  infra<^ioa 

is  kind  to  go  unpunlflied. 

he  Pipe  of  Peace,  which  is  termed  by  |h^H|pcIi 
jWfitne  Calamet,  for  what  reafpa  I  ^t/^kP^'*'^ 
about  foui;iget  loim.     The  .bowlwHfcs  mad 
marbl^,  and  the  I^m  of  \t  of  a  lipP^ood,-* curio 
painted   with  hieroglyphics  in  various  /colours, 
adorned  with  feathersfi»-%f  the  moft  beautifi 
bVJt  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  convey  an'  idea 
Jlrious   tints  and  pleailng  x)rn,aEnents  *o£;  this 
cfteemed  Indian  implement.  ^  ^' 

fery  nation  has  a  different  metliod  of  decorating 
pipes,  a{^  they  can  tell  at  "firft  light  to  what 


i  it  belongs. , 
treaties,  and-gr 
thefe  occafions. 

The  afiiftaijl:  or 
when  the  chiefs 
tobacco  rrtiixed 
ing  ,care  at 
the  ground 
is  ihorougl 
kept^surni 


0 


'■» 


uf^,  as  an  introduftion  to  all 
raopy  attends  the  vie  of  it  on 

rop^|the  great 

bMSHRentionl 

at  no  part  of  it  touclics 

filled,  he  takes  a  coal  that 

led,  from  a  fire  which  is  generally 

midft  of  the  aflembly,  and  places 

it  on  the  tof 

As  fooa  as  it  is  fuiHcil^y  l^hted,  he  throws  off 
thd%oal.  wie  then  turns  the  ftem  of  it  towards  the 
heavens,  after  this  towards  the  earth,  and  now  hold- 
ing it  horizontally,  jtioves  ifimfelf  round  till  he  has 
comakned  g  circle  ;  by  the  firft  «£tion  he  is  fuppofed 
'to^Pj^nt  It  to  the  .Gj^at  Spirit,  whofe  4^  is  thereby 
)licated  ;  by  the  fecond,  to  avert  any  malicious 
jrpoiltlon  q£  the  evil  fpirits  ;  and  by  the  third  to 
gain  the  prote»Stion  of  the  fpirits  i^h^iting  the  aiiv 
the  earth,  and  the  waters.-  Havl|g||||||||^  fecured  the 
favor  of  thofe  inviiible 
fuppofc  it 


agents. 


SBMMB  power  tncy 

is  either  to  forward  or  i|||||^a  the  Iflue  of 

their  prefcnt  deliberations,  he  preftnts  it  to.  the  hered- 

J*      ;  w      '      ita7 


..ASj 


CARVER'S  TR/wiiLSr-  2^07 

l!7<Iu'^^'^*'f^*5^'^^"S  tak>n  two  or  three  whiffs  J 

en,  and  then  around  him  upon  the  groundl  ^^ 

^  It^  afterwards  t>ut  in  the  iSme  manner  intb  the 
ZtLl  "^'^^f'^^^  or  ftr.ng,rs,  who  obi  ve 

ind  to  all  the  other  chiefs  m  turn,  accordihjt  to  their 
l^dation.  Dunng  this  time  the  peln  Iho  exe- 
2^thjs  Wable  office  holds  th'e  pipe  iTight^t 
mmmd,  as  if  he  feared. to  prefs  the  facred  iiu 
^  ^°^^  ^^y  ^^^  pi-efumeto  touch  it  b 


who  are  intrufted  with  the  c„ 
leac:,  approach  |j|gj^o^yn  or  cai?p 


^^ZlZ  ™^^^^5^^  -  approach  ||^o^vn  or  camp' 
e  S  .7d"H  ^'"^'  '^'^  ^5S«ng  and  d.nc& 
B|tlM8  tifne  the  adVerfe  party  are  apprized  of  their 

SS  7t'  ^'^,«g^^<^Pipe^Peacedi^- 

mg^themfdves  of  their  wohted  endmy,  invite  thenv 

;  to  the  habitation  of  the  Great  Chief.  Trfd  f   n^A   hem 

A  council  is  then  held  j  and  w&n  the  fpeeches 

ftop  to  the  tre^r^he  parnted  hatchet  is  buried  :« 
ground  as  a  memorial  that  all  animollties  betSen 
the  contending  nations  have  ceafed,  ai^d  a  peicji    ' 
mp'^ce.     Among  the  ruder  bands/ fuchas^havflo' 
ommunicatiori  with  the  Europeans,  a  war  club  SinT 
I  cd  red  IS  buried,  inftead  of.thc  hatchet.  '  ^ 

linth^t^^         if  '^'  every  ftipulked  article 

Thefe  belts 


^»i(j".'. 

-#'^' 


V.^^'i^.  °(  ^^^"5  found  on  the  c&afts 


out 
an 


^-ig,%nd  round  like  other  beads.     J3e|f  ftrung: 


0% 


#■ 


2o8 


's   TRAVELS. 


^^n  leather  ftrings,  and  fefVeral  of  them  fewed  neatly 

*'»  Together  with  fine  finewy  threads,  they  then  compofc 

what  is  termed  a  belt  of  wampum-  ^,  ^ 

The  Ihells  are  generally  of  tAvo  colours,  »fome  white 
and  others  violet  s  but  the  latter  are  lore  highly  ef- 
teemed  than  the  former.  They  are  held  in  as  much 
cftimation  by  the  Indians,  as  gold,  filver,  or  precious 
ftones,  are  by^e  Europeans. 

The  belts  are  compofed  of  ten,  twelve,  or  a  greater 
num^laf  firings,  according  to  the  importance  o(j^ 
afiyHpt  agitation,  or  the  dignity  of  the  perfofit  |t 
wMlpPit  is  prefented.  On  more  trifling  oqdj^gl^ 
ftnngs  of  thefe  beads  are  prerent^Ju|fl||e  c^ie^to 
each  other,  aa^^equently  worn  ijMMpibout  their 
necks,  as  a  vall^R  ornament.  ">•' 


CHAP.  XI. 


OF    7HEIR     GAMES. 


S  I  hav&  before  obref€||||  the  Indians  are 
grCjUly  addifted  to  gaming,  and  will^ven  ftake,  and 


loffUJIth  compofure,  all  the  valuaWes  they  are  pofleff- 
cd  %f.  They  amufe  themfebf^  at  fcve^^l .  forts  of 
games,  but  the  principal  and  moft  efleemed  among 

^them  is  that  of  the  ball,  which  is  pot  unlike  the  Eu- 

^   ropean  game  of  tennis. 

The  balls  tlicy  ufe  are  rather  larger  than  thofe  made 
life  of  at  tetmis,  and  are  formed  of  a  piece  of  deer's 
fkin  ;  which  being  moiftened  to  render  it  fupple,  is 
ftuffed  hard  with  the  hair  oF'  the  fame  creature,  and 
fewc^  with  its  fincws.  The  ball  fcicks,  arc  about 
three  feet  long,  at  the  end  of  which  there  is  fixed  a 
kfnd  of  jacket,  refembling  the  palm  of  the  hand,  and 
i'alllionea  of  thongs  eiit  from  a  deer's  ikin.>  In  thefe 

they 


CARVER'S  TRU.? ELS. 


2C9 


Ihey  catch  the  ball,  ai  iJMJrt  to  a  great  diftance, ,  ii 
lif  they  are  not  prevent^d«I^Tome  of  the  Sbyoilte  par-^^^^ 
rtjr,  who  fly  to  intercept  it.     '  ^ 

This  game  is  generally  played  by  large  companies, 
that  fometuTies  confift  of  more  than  three  hundred      ' 
aiid  It  IS  not  uncommon  for  different  bands  to  plau, 
agamft  eaokj^er.  "-^  F'^>»j 

^^  iPi^^^,  ^'""'"S  two  poles  in  %e  ground' at 
»  lix  hundred  yards  apart,  and  one  of  thefe  goals 
5ng  to  each  party  of  the  combatants.     The  ball  is 

a^u-eft  Ine  between  the  goals :  toward^  whicli  ejich 
par  y  endeavom  to   ftrike  it,  and  whichfoever  fide 
the  gam"      ''  "'""^'  '^'''  '"^"  ^oal,  reckons  toward^: 
The^^are  fo  exceeding  dexterous  in  this  man^ex- 

Si^ioistthef  ''  tf  ^^t*  ^^^"^  -  ^'^-«^ 
direttions  by    he  force  of  the  rackets,  without  touch- 

II  nn^  T"'''^,  'l"«ng  the  whole  contention  ;  for  they 
^^a|got  allowed  to  catch  It  with  their  hands.  They 
«|th  amazmg  velocity  in  purfuit  of  each^ther. 
aMien  one  is  on  the  point  of  hurlif  g  it  flfgW 
difta^j^n  antagt,nift  overtakes  him.  tnd  by  #fud: 
'iin  W»  daflicf  down  the-balh    ^-  Afe         '  l^. 

n.,.i^''^  ""/^  ?  """'^  vehemenc^that  they  fie- 

quently  wound  each  other,  and  fometimes  a  hLe  is 

oken  ;    but  notwithftanding  thefe   accidents   there 

Itrength  to  affeft  them  ;   nor  do  any  difputes  ever 
happen  between  the  parties.  putes  ever 

JJr\''  '"°f^''  S^me  alfc^  ufe'  among  'them 

fonf  nnf       V    ;   ^"^r^  ''  P^'J'^'^  b^'tween  two  per- 
ions  only..    Each  perfon  has  fix  or  ei^ht  l.>H^.iX.„ 

S"thf  ^  '  Peachltone  either  in  fize  o?  mape',  ex^e^ 
^e  coln^  «r,«  f  drangular  j  two  of  the  fides  of  whic^x        # 
!je  coloured  black,  and  the  others  white.     The^.  they, 
throw^pmtothe  air,  from  whence  they  mintZ 
^  *  bowl 


21Q 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


11* 


bowl  or  platter  placed  ttsdoi^th,  and  made  to  fpin 
round.  ,i  »  ; 

According  as  thefe  bones  prefent  the  ivhite  or  black 
fide  upwards  they  reckon  the  game  -,  he  that  happens 
t6  have  the  grcateft  number  «:urn  up  of  a  fimilar  ccU 
our,  counts  five  points  ;  and  forty  is  the  game.        « 

The  Winning  party  keeps  his  placc,|,jjBd  the  lofer 
yields  liis  to  another  who  is  appointed  j^p^lae  of 
umpires  ;  for  a  whole  village  is  fometi  i^  coned 
in  the  party,  and  at  times  one  band  ^>iays  agaiHf 
another.  « 

During  tl^s  play  the  Indians  appear  Ic  be  greatly 
agitated,  at  every  decifive  throw  fetPup  a  hideous 
(hout.  They  make  a  thoufand  contortioifs,  addreff- 
ing  themfelves^'^'at  the  fame  time  to  the  bones,  >d 
loadMg  with  imprecations,  the  evil  fpirits  that  aflift 
their  mccefsful  antagonilVs  * 

At  this  game  fome  wil.'  iofe  their  apparel,*all  the 
moveables  of  their  cabins,  and  fometimes  even  their 
liberty;  notvvithftanding  there  are  no  people  in  the 
univei^  more,  ieaious  of  the  latter  thaa  the  Ullfes 
are." 


CHAPTER  XII. 


OF  riiETR  MARRIAGE  CEREMONIES,  ^c. 

L  HE  liidiacr^-?llow  of  polygamy,  and  perfons 
©f  every  rank  indulge  themfelves  in  this  point.  The 
chiefs  in  particular  have  a  feraglio,  which  coniifts  of 
an  uncertain  number,  ufualiy  from  fix  to  twelve  oi* 


TV-.r:     1^.3 


*'"£  p: 


many  as  there  is  a  probability  of  their  being  able, 
with*  the  chil4ren  they  may  bear,  to  maintain.  It  is 
not  unconrjkmon:  for  an  Indian  to  fliarry  two  fifters ; 

fometimes, 


continence 
Such  as  zi 
their  hufb; 
vior,  and 
continue  in 
lives,  excej 
fome  ftranj 
not  admit 
tion.    In  t 
their  hufba 
pleafed  to 
it  is  knowi 
receiving  h 
manner  as  ii 

that  ar^eai 
latter  are  r< 
to  thofe  of 

isviu  Witii  liii 

The  India 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


jtimcs,  if  there  hacpem  to  be  more,  the  whole 
bcr  ;  and  nott»«iiidin£r  'hie  /-..    I  * 

civilized  nations)  JH|,1  "nlo^    hi      !   f^^'^''  *° 
-cateft  harmony.  ^^     ""'°"'  they  aUhvc  an  the 

'^he  younger  wives  are  fubmii^ve  HKf  elder  • 

ceaiiL  thofe      h '"'  no  children,  do  fud^lS^ial  offil 

«H»r  but  iKtle  from  a  ftate  of  fervitude.     How- 

^they  perform  every  injunftion  wi.^h  the  fir"ateft 

Heerfuinefs,  ,n  Ijopes  of  gaining  thereuv  the  affec 

have  the  happinefs  of  becoming  mothers,  and  he  en 
titled  to  the  refpea  attendant  on  that  ftate. 

fakes  To  h;^rT/r"'°''  ^°r  ''*»  ^^"'Jian,  although  he 
fakes  to  himfelf  fo  many  wives,  to  live  in  a  ftate  of 
contmence    .;ith  many  of  th^m  for  feverai    years 
Such  as  m.  not  fo  fortunate  as  to  gain  the  favor  nf 

Z:  Ltr^w'^  '''^'  '''"^^^-  aT;r:'d:nriSh:5 

vw,  and  by  thit  means  to  fhare  in  his  cmbrac^ 

JVM,  except  tig^ppen  to  be  preftnted  by  him  to 
fome  ftranger  Ifi^f,  whofe  abode  among  (llfem  wS 
not  admit  of  his  entering  into  a  more  hLTcmZT. 

Sed  t? ?!?.  T^  ^^"'  "murmuring,  and  a^e  not  diA 
plealed  to  the  temporary  union.     But  if  at  any  tinie 

receivrng  h,s  confent,  they  are  puniflKed  in  the  ikJ 
manner  as  if  they  had  been  guilty  of  adultery.  ^ 
whtll?*  •     *u'*  .'"''''•  P^«^^le«t  among  the  nations, 

that  ar<^arer|^,lements,  as  the  manners%f^c 

oLr     ^^^  »««*-e  conformable  in  fome  points 

to^thofe  of  the  Euro^,  by  the  intcrcourfrtW 

Indian  nations  <HPbut  little  fmn  e^--^  -->»«-* 
■  BMcripge  ceremonies,  and  1^  jn  tjK 


4 


la 


#* 


12 


CARVER'S  TRAVEL^. 


itihabit  the  borders 

if 


of  their  divorces.  The  tribes 
of  C:inada,^malce  ufc  of  the  foI^^^Hcu 
'  Wheh  Ji^tf^ung  Indian  has  ^^Riis  inclinations  on 
one  of  tlfPSBIter  fcx,  he  endeavors  to  gain  her  con- 
icnt,  and*#  tie  fucceeds,  it  is  never  known  that  her  ■ 
parents  ever  obftruft  their  union.  When  every  pre- 
liminary is  agreed  on,  and  the  day  appointeci^ .  the 
friends  and  acquaintance  of.  both  parties  aflemftlc  at 
the  houfe  or  tent  of  the  oldeft  relation  of  the  bride- 
groom, where  a  feaft  is  prepared  on  the  occafion. 

The  company  who  meet  to  affift  at  the  feftival  are 
fpmetimes  very  numerous  :  they  dance,  they  fing,  and 
enter  into  every  other  diverfion  ufually  made  ufe  of- 
on  any  of  their  pubire  rejoicings. 

When  thefe  are  finifhed,  all  thofe  who  attended* 
merely  out  of  ceremony  depart,  and  the  bridegroom^ 
and  bride  are  left  alone  with  three  or  four  of  the 
neareft  and  oldeft  relations  of  either  fide  ;  thofe  of  the 
bridegroom  being  men,  and  thofe  of  the  bride,  women. 

Prefently  the  bride  attended  byf*th«tfe  few  friends, 
having  withdrawn  herfelf  for  the  pijwrf  ofe,  appears  at 
one  of  ttfc  doors  of  the  houfe,  and  is  led  to  the  bride- 
groom, who  ftands  ready  to  receive  her.  Having 
now  taken  their  ftation,  on  a  mat  placed  in  the  centre 
of  the  rqpm,  they  lay  hold'  of  the  extrenuties  of  a 
wand,  about  four  feet  ItJng,  by  wiUcL  they  continue 
fcparated,  whilft  the  old  men  pronounce  fome  fhort 
harangues  fuitable  to  tlie  occafion. 

The  married  conple  after  this  make  a  public  decla- 
ration of  the  love  and  regard  they  enteitairtlfe^  each 
other,  and  ftill  holding  the  rod  between  thej^-dance 
and  fing.  When  they  have  finMied  this  pSft  of  the 
ceremony,  they  break  the  rod  into^as  many  pieces  as 
iSiereare  witrieffes  prefent,j||jfe  each  take  a  piece,  and 


;^A  ^**b'      Vk- 


The  bride  is*  then  reconlWked  out  of  the  door  at 


,c  cnt€re<^  wiicre  iier  young  wmpswwons  wait 


to  ■mes,  there  ai 


CARVER'S  TRAVEIS. 


^»  attend  hg||Aer  father's  houfe  ;  there  the  brid. 
groom  is  o^P  ta  feck  her,  and  the  marria Je  t 
cMifmnmatcd.  Ver«  often  tht  Jif,  "}^^'^'^&^^  's 
M.r.s  houfe  .iU  m'Thtr  ch-,a,TvL"r'Ltt 
her  apparel,  which  is  aU  .he  fortune  L "  SauJ 
pofleffca  of,  and  accompanies  her  h„rband"o'ws  ha"li 

S    "'} '""■?'""«  off"  Wons  to  juaify  their  con- 
«.    The  mtncllos  whoTere  prefent  al  the  ,^r 
mge,  meet  on  the  day  requefl«yit  the  lioufr,.f^^ 

ijipna  the  pieces  of  rod  Whichthey  had   receteA  TI 

t:oTK;'X''''"''''°'^'^-^^"p- 

or  111  will  between  the  coupe  or  their  relatS  ai?^ 
after  a  few  months  they  at^  at  liberty  to  mryiaTn 
When  a  marriage  is  thus  diflblved,  the  chXer: 
wh.ch  have  been  produced  from  it,  are^qually  d^id! 
dbetw^n  them;  and  as  children  are  efteemid  a 
rcafure  by  the  Indians,  if  the,^mber  happem  to  b^ 
odd.ihe  woman  is^wed  to  t*the  bet^efha  f 


Pddrdie woman  i^gfev 
lofcgh  this  cuftom 


bgh  this  cuflom  feemi  to  encourage  ficklenefs 
nd  frequent  reparations,  yet^  there  are   many  of  tht 
Indians  who  have  but  one  wife,  and  enjoy  wiL  lerT 

W  of  women  P^inraVrnv^brat^talr^^^^^^ 

Lh      .^"?^"'^»  "^^cept  iu  the  cafes  before  men- 

Si"^^^.\^«  -2\  ^^nfi^red  as  either  a  violatfl 

i  vtty  1  ttle  from  each  other  in  their  marriage  Qeremo- 
.'"es,  there  are  fbme  exceptions.    The  Ihu^^ms 


ception 


^  have 


% 

2X4 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


t»^- 


have  a  fmgular  method  of  celebratyBH&.eir  marri- 
ages,, which  feems  to  bear  no  refenfliffKe  to  thofe 
made  ufe  of  by  any  other  nation  I  pafled  through. 
When  orte  of  tKeir  young  men  has  fixed  on  a  young 
woman  he  approves  of,  he  difcovers  his  paffiqn  to  her 
parents,  who  give  him  an  invitation  ta  corae  and  live 
with  them  in  their  tent. 

He  accordingly  accepts  the  offer,  and  by  fo  doing 
engages  to  refide  in  it  for  a  whole  year,  in  the  char- 
after  of  a  menial  fervant.  ^During  this  time  he 
hunts,  and  brings  all  the  ijWBe  he  kills  to  the  family  ; 

tcFha 
B  pro' 
his  "daughter  and  th^^jfildren  that  miglflflie  the  con- 
fequence  of  their  union.     This  however  is  only  doiH|rl 
whilft  they  are  young  men,  and  for  their  firft  wjfg, 
and  not  repeated  like  Jacob's  fervitudes. 

When  this  period  is  expired,  the  marriage  is  folera- 
llized  after  the  cuftem  of  J:he  country,  in  tlie  follow- 
ir|g  manner  :  Three  or  four  of  the  oldeft  male  rela- 
tions #  tlie  bridegrbom,  and  as  many  of  the  bride's, 
accompany  the  young  couple  from  their  refpedive 
tents,  to  an  open  part  in  th#  centre  of  the  catm). 

The  chiefs  and  warriopsj  being  here  aflfembled  to 
receive  them-,  a  Paitajpf  the  latter^are  drawn  up  in 
two  ranks  on  eadi  mm  of  the  t|||||||| 


teywhich  means  the  fatllcFhas  an  opportunity  of  fee- 
Hwwhether  he  is  «M|»  provide  for  the  fupport  of 
*  '  th^plt 


egmom 
iTOiief 


and  bride 
immediately  on  their  aruyal.  Their  principar^iief 
tjjen  acquaints  the  whole  aflembly  with  the  clefign  of 
their  meeting,  and  tells  them  that  the  couple  before 
them*,  mentioning  at  the  fame  ti%^j,.lheir  names,  are 
come  to  avow  ptiblrcly  their .gMtjlntiOns  of  living  to- 
gether as  man  and  wife.*  He  tOTralks  the  two  young 
people  alternately,  whetl>^  they  defire  that  the  union 


_j-i 


':*m 


Uk\.tai  vvi 


^      „  -        _       I'UI^ 

wici*  an  siiuiuxv 


voice  that  the^sBo  fo,  the  warriors  fix  their  arrows^ 
and  difcharge  them  over  the  heads  of  the  married 
pair  tJ^  done,  the  chiefjionounces  them  man^and 

The 


names,  are 


CARVER',  Tj|g|§  ^,^ 

carries  her  amWft  the  »r  1,     7      "'^"''  ™"«'-  he 
to  his  tent.     The  cerem;^  "'r'""'  f  "''  'P^^atots 

dude  the  feftival  *"  "'"'''  ™'l<"n,  con- 

te?Z"?ft£  ^°  «'■»«>  »".o„g  the  Naudo:et 

^.he^areaccorpliftld      "^'"'""""^  "^ '^-™»S  h*w 

tliefe  cafes  bites  off  .h.    *    f^  ,  '^'"^  huAandJo. 
of  punifhfaent  was  Sd^m  V"""  "i«  """^ 

Among  the  Indians  as  well  ns  Fnm^^ 
there  are  many  that  devotr  U    .,"  ^?"  *I^^'°"«» 
and  notwithftanding   hSTcoun  f^  '^'"k  *?#««^re.^ 
ern  writers  of  the  friaS  'f     '  ?^'"  ^^  ^  9^0''- 

wamors^hat  are  thus  diipofed  Vw?         ^^  5^°""^ 
nities  £o*  gratifying  th2™fl^5  ^7'"'  °PP^^*^"- 

lAaU  deliribel       ^         ''^  "  ""*»^^''  ^"§"1^, 
'  trefs  thnf  h^  n    II     P^*°"  ^^e  has  chofen  for  his  mif-- 


'iJ  ■  "i  nWHfieen  alrlia 
m  I  Wle^ge  no  fuperi 
K  —-uupruiaauojti,^;  except 


L  _         ,^^w       ----7    *^V«* 


■# 


2i6 


.1* 


M 


rjER's  IHAVELS. 

prehtnfiveof  any.c^ieck  or  control  in  the  accomplifh- 

ment  of  his  purpofes,  if  he  can  find  a  convenient  op- 

portianity  for  completift|;  them.  -  '    ,      ;, 

^.  As  the  Indians  are  alio  under  no  apprehenfion  of 

robbers,  or  fccret  enemies^^  they   leave  the  doors  of 

their  tents   or  huts  unfaftencd  dur.ng  thQ  night,  as 

well  as  iH  the  day.     Two  or  thr^  hours  after  funfot, 

the    flaves  or  old  peopfc  cover  over  the  fire,  that  is 

'generally  burning  in  themidft  of  their  apartment,  with 

aihes,  and  retire  to  their  repofe.      '  .  „, 

Whilft  darknefs  thus  prevails,  and  all  is  quiet,  ore  , 

,oi  thefe  ions  of  plaifure,  #^rapped  up  clofely  in  his 

•'  Wanket,  to  prevent  his  being  known,  will  fometimes 

ent^  the  apartment  of  his^ntepded  miftrds.     tiavmg 

'firft  lighted  at  the  fmothergd  Bre  a  fmair^lmter  of 

wood,  which  anfwers  the  purpofe  of  a  match,  he  ap- 

.proaches  the  place  <(rhere  fhe  repofes,  and  gentl^y^l- 

^ine  away  the  covering  from  the  head,  jogs  her  tiUflie 

awakes.     If.  fhe   then  rifes  up,   and  blows  out  die 

ji„ht,*^  needs  no  ftirther  confirmation  that  his  .oni- 

-pany  i?not  difiigreeable  j  but  if;  after  he  has  difcov- 

ered  himfelf,  ihe  hic^s  hfir  head,  and  takes  no  notice 

<*of  him,  he  might  reft  aiTured  that  aay  further  folio 

.tations  will  prove  vain,  and  that  it  is  ncceflky  unme- 

"  diately  for  him  to  retire.  ^  i 

During  his  flay  ;he  conceals  the  light  as  much  as 

poSble  inthe  hollow  of  his  hands,  and  as  the  tents 

or  rooms  of  the  Indians  are  ufually  large  and  capa- 

/  cious,  he  efcapes  without  deteftion.     It  is  laid  that 

the  young  women  who  admit  their  lovers  on  thefe  oc- 

cafions,  take  great  care,  by  ^nJ/jm^m  application 

to  herbs,  with  the  potent  effi^^P  l^ich  tiiey  arc 

^ell  acquainted,  to^vchtJ|  ffeas  of  thefe  iliic.tf 

"«rs  from  ^^com^mmm^  ^^  ^^"^'^  *^^  f'^'"''*, 
L^«n..^i..»nJignfli^^fey  muft  forever  remain  un-j 

parried.  "^  m 

hildren  of  the  Indians  are  ^    .         .,  ^^..,.. 
aame  of  the  naothor :  aw  if  a  wo^jgW'f'j 


# 


CARVER'S  1  RAVELS.  4,7 

ries  fe^^eral  hufbands,  and  has  iflbe  by  each  of' them 
they  are  called  after  her.     The  reafon  they  aive  T; 

and  to  the  mother  for  their  corporeal  and  apparent 
part^  ,t  ,s  more  rational  that  they  fhould  be  diftS^ 
^1  V?K^  '^^"'"^^  °^  *^^  '^««^>  from  whom       cy 

Jir :  ^^T^*^^^^  ^^^"^^  *^^-  bythat  of  tS 

ftther,  to  which  a  donbt  might  fometime^  arife  wheth! 
«r  they  arejuftly  entitled. 
There  are  fome  ceremonies  made  ufe  of  bir  th« 

Sea  h'  l^'  ^"P°'"'°"  °^  ^^'^  "^"^-'  ^^d  it-S  con! 
whatther  ^^  "^  ^"^'"''"  ""^Src^'  importance  ;  but 
what  thefe  are  I  could  never  learn,  through  the  fecre- 
cy  obferved  on  the  occafion.    J  only  know  tha  Tt   s 

SLfr"    '''" ''''''''"  ^"^  p^^^'  *^^  ^^^ ' 

.n^r'''"^^"^'''^^^*^'^*^"^^'^^^^  ^own  by  them 
LfcY'^f^  and  aperfon  cannot  recommend 

s  of  theW^  t""'  '?'"''°^  '^  ^^^  y""»S^^  branch! 

There  is  fome  difficulty  attends  an  explanation  of 
f^  manner  in  which  the  Indians  diftinS  Xm- 
SLTr^^  °^'^"  Befidesthenamfo  tbe'^: 
here  ie"  ;;^  'L'"^  "'^'""/"'^  ^"^  '"^  denomLed. 
drenr^^  S!  *^'¥  ^'^  P^^^°»^l>  «ncl  which  the  chil.  - 
dren  receive  frogj  their  mother. 

hasdther'rf  ^/l^"  d'ft'ng^'fHed  by  a  name  tliat 
ftas  cither  fome  reference  to  their  abilities,  or  vo  the 

^:^^'^^'^^  ^f-'"-^  -d  thefe  are  acuir^ 
k  r-  '  .r**.'^  *^  '•"^  "gc  oi  manaybood.  Suck  ^ 
W.8„al,zed  .hemfel,es  either  in  thtir  war  «•  h«n" 
ng  parto.  or  are  pcrfTefled  of  fo™  eminent  qiTfi. 
"'■■on,  receive  .  name  that  ferve.  to  pe^^g  the 

■■lame 


ai8 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


fame  of  thefe  actions,  or  to  make  their  abilities  con- 
fpicuous. 

Thus  the  great  warrior  of  the  Naudowcflies  was 
named  Qttahtongoonilifhcah,  tbat  is,  the  Great  Fath- 
er of  Snakes  j  ottah  being  ia  Englifh  father,  ton- 
goom  great,  and  Hihcah  a  fnake.  Another  chief  was 
called  Honahpawjatin,  which  means  a  fwift  running 
over  the  mountains.  And  when  they  adopted  me  a 
chief  among  them,  they  named  me  Shebaygo',  which 
lignifies  a  writer,  or  a  perfon  that  is  curious  in  mak- 
ing hieroglypfcjcs>  as  they  faw  me  often  writing. 


cn:\P.  xiii. 


fiF  rHEiR  RELIGION. 


I 


lT  is  very  difficult  to  attain  a  perfeft  knowledge 
joi  the  religious  principles  of  the  Indians.  Their  cere- 
monies and  dojftrines  have  been  fo  often  ridiculed  by 
the  Europeans,  that  they  endeavor  to  conceal  them  ; 
and  if  after  the  greateft  intimacy,  you  defire  any  of 
them  to  explain  to  you  theii*  fyftem  of  religion,  to  pre- 
vent your  ridicule,  they  hitermix  with  it  many  of  the 
tenets  they  have  received  of  the  French  miffionaries, 
fo  that  it  is  at  laft  rendered  an  unintelligible  jargon 
and  nbt  to  be  depended  upon. 

Such  as  I  could  difcover  among  the  NaudowefHes 
ffor  they  alfo  were  very  referved  in  this  point)  I  fhall 
give  my  readers,  without  paying  any  attention  to  the 
accounts  of  others.  As  the  religion  of  that  people 
from  their  fituatlon  appears  to  be  totally  unadulterat- 
ed with  the  fuperftitions  of  the  church  of  Rome,  we 


xliiili      cw 


r 


„«i: 


f^^-t(\-rivrtc  '\ 


more  perfeft  idea  of  the  original  tenets  and  ceremo- 
nies of  the  Indians  in  general,  waan  from  thofe  of  any 
nations  thiat  approach  nearer  to  the  fettlemejits. 


It 


Or 


CAlt\rER»s  TRAVELS..  u^ 

V^er1:fV}^^ ''u^^'''^^^^^^  «°"^  Supreme  Bein^. 

Giver  of  Life,  who  prefides  over  all  things      Tul 
Ch.eexvays  call  this  being  Manitou,  or  S  '  M 
ton  ;  the  Naudoweflies,  ^Wakon  or  ToSo  ^^^^^^^^ 
hat  IS,  the  Great  Spirit  ;  and  they  look  up  to  ht  Is 

T'JrKir^'-  ^^°"^  ''^'^  no  evil  can  prre? 
They  alfo  beheve  in  a  bad  fpirit,  to  whom  t^iey  af 
mbe  great  power,  and  fuppofe  that  through  hsmea„: 
all  tne  evils  which  befall  mankind  are  infliS      To 

hat  he  would  either  avert  their  troubles,  or  mod emf 
them  when  they  are  no  longer  avoidable. 

Hiey  fay  that  the  Great  Spirit,  who  is  iniJnitelv 
good    neither  wifhes  or  is  able  to  do  any  mi^^Wef  o 

on  them  all  the  bleflmgs  they  deferve  j  whereas  th^ 

l^r^TlZmt'f''''^^'''''^  -  contrive"  W 
fie  nsay  punifli  the  hmnan  rice  i  and  to  do-  whth   i,T 

They  hold  alfo  that  there  are  good  fpiritsTa  Uer 
degree,  who  have  their  particular  depTrtment^  iJ 
which  they  are  confhntly  contributingfo  the  h 'J 

fs  of  mortals      Thefe  they  fuppofe  i  pref  de  over 

lot  I  f''^^°':^'"^^>'  Produaions  of  nature,  fuch  as 
thofe  lakes,  mers,  or  mountains  that  are  of  an  „n 
common  magnitude  j  and  likewife  the  beafts,  ^  X 
/hes  and  even  vegetables,  or  ftones  that  exceed  tt 
reft  of  then-  fpecies  m  fize  or  fing,alarity.  To  all 
of  thefe  they  pay  fome  kind  of  adoration  Thn. 
when  they  arrive  on  the  borders  of  LakTsuper or  or 
the  banks  of  the  Maffifippi,  or  any  othe/ereat  bn<?^ 

ted  o';^or'^" "  r  spirit'who^x:tS 

;^^difwh:ntTtttI&^^^^^^  .^-ba. 

ebony. 


nil- 


nex  t'U!;'!"".'  r"^'  ^  ^=^"^5^  '^^'  ^^'^  ^^eas  they 
««  to  the  word  fpint,  are  v —  "•"-         -^ 

conceptions  more  enlightened 


^  ^n-- 

different  from  the 
nations  entertain  of  it. 
They 


tao 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


They  appear  to  fafhron  to  themfelves  corporeal  rep- 
rcfentations  of  their  gods,  and  believe  them  to  be  of 
a  huhian  fcMrm,  though  cf  a  uacuie  more  excellent 
0in  man. 

i  Of  the  fame  kind  are  their  fentiments  relative  to  a 
futurity.  They  doubt  not  but  they  iliall  exift  in  feme 
future  ftate  }  they  however  fancy  that  their  employ- 
ments there  will  be  fimilar  to  thofe  they  are  engaged 
in  here,  without  the  labor  and  difficulties  annexed 
to  them  in  this  period  of  their  exiftence. 

They  confequently  expeft  to  be  tranflated  to  a  de- 
lightf^il  country,  where  they  fhall  always  have  a  clear, 
unclouded  fky,  and  enjoy  a  ^^erpetual  fpring  j  where 
the  forefts  will  abound  with  game,  and  the  lakes  with 
fifli,  which  might  be  taken  without  a  painful  exertion 
of  ikill,  or  a  laborious  purfuit  ;  in  Ihort,  that  they 
ihall  live  forever  in  regions  of  plenty,  and  enjoy  tve- 
rj  gratification  they  delight  in  here,  in  a  greater  de- 


gree. 


To  intelleftual  pleafures  they  are  ftrangers  j  nor 
are  thefe  included  in  their  fcheme  of  happinefs.  But 
they  cxpeft  that  even  thefe  animal  pleafures  will  be 
proportioned  and  diftributed  according  to  their  merit  j 
the  ikilful  hunter,  the  bold  and  fuccefsful  warrior, 
will  be  entitled  to  a  greater  Ihare  than  thofe  who 
through  indolence  or  want  of  Ikill  cannot  boaft  of  any 
fuperiority  over  the  tommon  herd. 

The  priefts  of  the  Indians  are  at  the  fame  time 
their  phyficians,  and  their  conjurers  ;  whilft  they  heal 
their  wounds,  or  cure  their  difeafes,  they  interpret 
their  dreams,  give  them  proteicive  charms,  and  fatis- 
h  that  defire  which  is  fo  prevalent  among  them,  of 
fearching  into  futurity. 
?  How   well  they  execute  the  latter  part  of  their 

Tirnfijffinnai   pnacicrprnpntc.    anA     t-\\f  mat-V%nAB  <-K/»ir  tnalr* 
yT  *'  Zj'^kj'       *'       *    -    -*•--'    *..-,  .....,...,...,  ...v.^    .»-«— 

ufe  of  on  forae  of  thefe   occasions,   I  have  already 
fliewn  in  the  exertions  of  the  prieft  of  the  Killiftinoes, 
who  was  fortunate  enough  to  fucceed  in  his  extra- 
ordinary 


ofdinarj 

quently 

falubrioi 

but  that 

adminift 

iliall  not 

When 

invefted 

and  magi 

tling  in 

called  a  C 

that  cann 

Thi*  u 

dlfturb  tl 

of  the  do(! 

believe  th 

his  recove 

pefes  the  « 

aileafttha 

flwll  not  ii 

lous  enoug 

to  do,  and 

if  they  did 

I  could 

other  religi 

fid  i  indeed 

dance  and  1j 

'Jiat  planet 

at  the  returr 

^1,  and  whi, 

%  travel  d 

Notwithftj 

nations  amoj 

^^t  I  own 

lWli€  but  a 

,  •'aces  of  the 

^t  one  pari 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


lo  *\\f'\T  male* 


falubrious  herbs  th^  L4  r^ti^M     r™'',"J"8'''>= 

Md  magician,  fits  by  the  Datilf  J,  ■'^°'''  P"'^'*> 
tling  in  his  ears  a  soadEfillj  '"1.  "','«'''■  "•«- 
called  a  Chichicoue.  fnd  makL  it"*  '^>'  "«""»• 
Aat  cannot  be  well  defcril^d^  '  d'^greeable,  aoife 

ofthedoftor-r^eft^Zn  £r"'  f  «'"''  '^'* 
Meve  that  th'e  mXd^iadeuft  V„rrr'"^ 
flis  recovery,  bv  tlivf>,-ti^^  c      "'f."^>  contributes  to 

^  ieaft-that  it  S  take  off  h^'^  '^'  ^^'"^'^  ^  ^r 
fl^all  not  inercafe  the  L^fdv  Tk^''?'  ^^  '^^'  ^« 
lous  enough  to-  LlaLT^?    •  ^'     i^''  '^^^  ^^^  credu- 

« the  return  o/a  luSv  .Lf^^™'^,  '^'"  "'  '''joice 
H  and  which  fer^eTto  iLh  1?  "'  "','  "'sl"  cheer. 

.iey  .ravel  during  ,r:J|fcVc;TheT^'""^  "'>'■' 
Notwithftandin?  Mr    a,i  •    u       !^ 

nations  ^monT2oThet7/r  ^S^^^^'that  the 
!ittL«  :..•  y  Z'^otn  he  refided.  obferve  ^.ritu 

W;  ^™^Fcoulinevt"dr°'"'=''  ^^Mohi 
*»'  lie  but  a  few  d^e"  to  ^7  '"r^^^^ft  'ribe« 
'race,  of  the  iLjii^r  ■     '«  ""nhweft,  the  IteA 

P«KUlM  female  cuftom  and  thdr  divifion, 

int-0' 


222 


CARVER'S  TR,AVELS. 


into  tribes,  carry  with  them  proof  fufficient  to  eftab- 
liilv  this  aflertion. 

The  Jefuits  and  French  miffionaries  have  alTo  pre- 
tended  that  the  Indians  had,  when  they  firft  travel- 
led into  America,  feme  notions,  though  thefe  were 
dark  and  confufed,  of  the  chriftian  inftitution  ;  that 
they  have  been  greatly  agitated  at  the  fight  of  a  crofs, 
and  given  proofs  by  the  impreffions  made  on  them, 
that  tli^y  were  not  entirely  unacquainted  with  the 
facred  myfteries  of  Chriftianity.     I  need  not  fay  that 
thefe  are  too^  glaring  abfurdities  to  be  credited,  and 
could  only  receive  their  exiftence  from  the  zeal  of 
thofe  fathers,  who  endeavoured  at  once  to  give  the 
l>ublic  a  better  opinion  of  the  fuccefs  of  their  miffions 
and  to  add  fupport  to  the  caufe  they  were  engaged  in. 
•    The  Indians  appear  to  be  in  their  religious  princi- 
pies,  jude   and    uninftrufted.      The   doftrines   they 
hold  are  few  and  fimple,  and  fuch  as  have  been  gen- 
crally  imprefled  on  the  human  mind,  by  fome  means 
Gt  Other,  in  the  moft  ignorant  ages.     They  however 
have  not  deviated,  as  many  other  uncivilized  nations } 
and  too  many  civilized  ones  have  done,  into  idolatrous 
modes  of  worfhip ;  they  venerate  indeed  and  make 
offerings  to  the  woijderful  parts  of  the  creation,  as  I 
have  before  obferved }  but  whether  thole  rights  arc 
performed  on  account  of  the  impreffion  fuch  cxtraor- 
dinary  appearances  make  on  them,  or  ^whether  they 
confider  them  as  the  peculiar  charge,  or  the  ufual 
pUces  of  residence  of  the  iavifible  fpirits  they  ac- 
knowledge, I  cannot  pofitively  determine. 

The  human  mind  in  its  uncultivated  ftate  is  apt 
to  afcribe  the  extraordinary  occurrences  of  nature, 
fiich  as  earthquakes  thunder,  or  hurricanes,  to  the 
interpoCtxon  of  unfeen  be'mm  -.  the  troubles  and  dif- 
alters  alio  that  are  annexed  to  a  favage  life,  the  ap- 
prehenfions  attendant  on  a  precarious  fubfiftencc,  and 
thofe  nuniberlefs  inconveniences  which  man  in  his 
improved  ftate  has  found  means  to  remedy,  are  fupr 

pofed 


:ient  to  eftab- 

lave  alTo  pre- 
;y  firft  travcl- 
»h  thefe  were 
itution  i  that 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ^^ 

pofed  to  proceed  from  the  interpofitfon  of  evil  V„-  % 
tliefavage,  confequently,  lives  TcnnHnii  ^'f '  ' 
fions  of  their  unkind  at4ck«  ,«i?  "''^  apprehen- 
recourfe  to  charms  to  fh.  %  A'""  '''*^  '^^"^  ^« 
his  prieft,  or  the  powerfuHnfl  '^'%?'^°"'«  o^ 
Fear  has  of  courfe  a Teatr  ^^  '"^  ^«"«0"». 

gratitude,  and  ZnfyTl^Z".  '"-^'^  ^^^^tions  than 
the  wrath  of  the  evf/tZ  ?  r""-"  *°  ^^P^^^ting 
the  good  beings.         '      '"  '^  ^^'^'''S  the  favor  J 

have  not  been  illuminated  SfhtL  ,^^'°^  "'^^ 
only  candifperfe  the  cloudrof  fi,n  a'-^'°"'  ^^'^'^ 
ranee,  and  they  arfas  W  i  ^^Perft.tion  and  igno- 

can  be  that  hSZtZnf       ''^  ^'"^^  ^^  «  people^ 


CHAP.  XIV. 


ftate  is  apt 
>  of  nature, 
mes,  to  the 
bles  and  dii- 
lifc,  the  ap- 
Iftence,  and 
man  in  his 
xly>  are  fupr 
pofed 


OF  7HEIR  DlS£^S£i   ^c. 


.   ercifss 


VZ4 


CARVER-'s  travels: 


crcifes  they  expofe  themfelves  to  from  their  infancy, 
before  they  have  fuflicicnt  ftrength  to  fupport  thenu 
But  the  diforc'er  to  which  they  are  inoft  fubjeft,  is 
the  plcurify  j  for  the  removal  of  which  they  apply 
their  grand  remedy  and  prefervation  againft  the  gen- 
erality of  their  complaints,  fweating. 

The  manner  in  which  they  conftruft  their  ftovcs 
for  this  purpofe  is  as  follows  :  They  fix  feveral  fmall 
poles  in  the  ground,  the  tops  of  which  they  twift  to- 
gether, fo  as  tP'  form  a  rotunda':  this  frame  they  cov- 
er  with  ikins  or  blankets  j  and-  they  lay  them  on 
with  fo  much  nicety,  that  ihe  air  is  kept  from  enter- 
ing through  any  crevice  ;  a  fmall  fpace  being  only 
left,  juft  fufficient  to  creep  in  at,  which  is  immedi- 
V-  ately  after  clofed.  In  the  middle  of  this  confined 
building  they  place  red  hot  ftones,  on  which  they 
pour  water  till  a  fteam  arifes  that  produces  a  great 
degree  of  heat. 

This   caufes   an  inftantaneous   perfpiration,  which 
they  increafe  as  they  pleafe.     Having  continued  in  it 
for  fome  time,  they  inimediately  haften  to  the^neareft 
ftream,  and  plunge  into  the  water ;  and,  after  bathing 
therein  for  about  half  a  minute,  they  put  on  their 
clothes,  lit  down  and  fmoke  with  great  compofurC; 
thoroughly  perfuaded  that  the  remedy  will  prove  effi- 
cacious.    They  oftea  make  ufe  of  this  fudoriferous 
method   to  refrefh  themfelves,  or  to  prepare  their 
minds  for  the  management  of  any  bufinefs  that  ro 
quires  uncommon  deliberation  and  fagacj«:y.      f5i      » 
•    They  af€  likcwife  affli^ed  with  the  dropfy  and  pa- 
ralytic complaints,  which,  however,  are  but  very  fel- 
dom  known  among  them.     As  a  remedy  for  thefe, 
a»  well  as  for  fevers,  they  make  ufe  of  lotions  and  de- 
*o£^ionf t   c&inDQfed.  cf  hsrbsi  which  the  nh.v&c'.im 
know   perfectly  well  how   to  compound   and  apply. 
But  they  never  truft  to  medicines  albjae  ;  they  always 
have  reeourfe  like  wife  to  fdme  fuperftitious  ceremo 
=  *-  :         "  nies, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


22 


«-vl-»tTa*^««'iriO 


njes.  without  which  their  pntients  would  not  think  .1,, 
ph^cal  preparations  fuiEciently  powerful  "" 

f tTi:ufe.t?.rt^  ^^^  w 

..me  than  m.ght  be  expcfted'^from  their  n,o<£  otplS 

„„^!'!l,"l°  ?'"  "'.  '  '■"»'«'  "'"■':•»  thofe  reptiles  an 
nually  fted,  they  will  alfo  extraft  fplimers    It  ;.  f 

moifture  remaining  in  it.  ^'^ 

•    It  has  long  been  a  fubjea  of  difpute,  on  what  con 

originated  in  America,  but  the  literary  conteft  ft iJltl! 
mms  undecided;  to  give  fome  eluciSon  ta  tlf 
ihall  remark,  that  as  I  could  not  difcover  tl  e  leafV 
races  among  the  Naudoweffies,  with-  whom  I  refi^d 

to':-;-/.^tornr„-i-i.S^ 

SSt  "thaTtl''"*^  °'  '■"^•'  cerStd  et;  iSS 

gr„r7hr  lithTrf'  ^°«'p>™d  »f » viote 

5:  "."*'>  w"h  all  Its  alarminff  fiTmntn-.  •   *>-■•-  -- 
-  uneafy. 


2tS 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


uneafy,  for  he  would  engage  that  by  the  following  ]\\<t 
advice,  he  flumld  be  able  in  a  few  days  to  purfue  his 
journey,  and  in  a  little  longer  time  be  entirely  free 
from  his  diforder. 

The  chief  had  no  foonei*  faid  this  than  he  prepared 
for  him  a  decoftion  of  the  bark  of  the  roots  of  the 
prickly  afh,  a  ta-ee  fcarcely  known  in  England,  but 
which  grows  in  great  plenty  throughout  North  Amer- 
ica }  by  the  ufe  of  which,  in  a  few  days  he  was  great- 
ly rcc6vered,  and  having  received  direftions  how  to 
picparc  it,  in  a  fortnight  after  his  departure  from  this 
place,  perceived  that  he  was  radically  cured. 

If  frotr  exceflive  exercife,  or  the  extremes  of  heat 
or  cold,  they  are  affefted  with  pains  in  their  limbs  or 
joints,  they  fcarify  the  parts  affefted.  Thofe  nations 
who  have  no  commeice  with  Europeans  do  this  with 
a  fharp  flint  ;  and  it  is  furprifing  to  fee,  to  how  fine 
a  point  they  have  the  dexterity  to  bring  them  ;  a  lan- 
cet can  fcarcely  exceed  in  fharpnefs  the  inftruments 
they  make  of  this  unmalleable  fubftauce. 

They  never  can  be  convinced  a  perfon  is  ill,  whilft 
he  has  an  appetite;  but  wlun  he  rejefls  all  kind  of 
nourifliment,  they  confider  the  difeafe  as  d?ingeroiB, 
and  pay  great  attention  tn  it  ;  and  during  the  continu- 
ance of  the  diforder,  tl  c  phyfician  refuics  his  patient 
n  -  fort  of  food  that  h'  is  defirous  of. 

Their  dolors  are  not  only  fuppofed  to  be  fkilled  in 
the  phyfical  treatment  of  difeafes  j  but  the  common 
people  believe  that  by  the  ceremony  of  the  Chichicoue 
ufually  made  ufe  of,  as  before  defcribed,  they  are  able 
to  gain  intelligence  from  the  fpirits,  of  the  caufe  of 
the  complaints  with  which-  they  are  afflifted,  and  are 
thereby  the  better  enabled  to  fmd  remedies  for  them. 
They    difcover    fomething   fupernatural    in   all  their 


,1 — n- 


be  aided  by  diefe  fuperftitions. 


*AAW*JlV         *■*■*  T  t«A  Ai«l-'« 


Sometinies  a  flck   perfon  fancies  that  his  diforder 


atifes  from  witciivraft  j  ja  this  cafe  the  phyfician 


or 


juggler 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ^j^ 

juggler  is  confulted,  who,  after  the  nfnol  «« 
g.V«  hi3  opinion  on  the'ftate  of  the  ^f^^^^^^^^^ 
quently  finds  fomc    means    for  his  cure      R.      " 
withlbnding  the  Iraliin  nkw;."        ,        ^'     ""*  "of- 

«7  c  «ain,  a,  I  have  alr^drlftrnt  K^J'   " 

I  judgment  proper  remedies.  ^  ^  ^       "'  ^^"^^ 

In  Penobfcot,  a  fettlement  in  the  Provinre  nfM  • 

tXs  .he  ""r""^''""  ^"^-i«"?^,r  0^ 

I  tflrce  days,  the  perfons  around  her  exne«fHn,v  »>   .  .» 

next  pang  would  put  an  end  to  her  exfi  '"^  ^^" 

il^e^L^  '''"''"'   ^^'^   accidentally  paffed    hv 

\Yr  *^^ groans    >t  the  unhappy  fufferer  and  jl  ^* 
edfrom  whence  they   proceeded      R.-'  f^"'""" 

quainted with  the  def^ra?rc,>r„rnV  ^"'"S  made  ac- 
cafe  ftiP  *«u  ,k  •  ""P*^*^^*^  circumilance  attend  n a  the 
ed  fn  r    !u  ^'  '"^^^"^^"^^  that  if  fhe  might  be  perm 

Ihefurgeon  that  had  attended    and  th^        »    • 
'fho  was  then  nreft-nf  K.  •        .    »   ^""  t"e   nadwue 

P'^^er^ing  their^atlem    Tf  T'"  "^  '"^^^  ^«P^  ^^ 
edto  m.L    r   patient,  the  Indian  woman  was  allow- 

jtlffht  nvp..   fJ,r  '      r  , -^**-'"ti,  aiici    bound    it 

ituHestL  rnfr      ^'^  ,^  ^"^o^t'OJ^  ;  and  from  the 
gJesthat  confequently  eiifucd,  ifee  Wi|s  in  a  fe^ 

'  feconds 


228 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


feconds  delivered.  The  moment  this  was  achieved, 
and  time  enough  to  prevent  any  fatal  efFeA,  the 
handkerchief  was  token  ofF.  The  long  fufFering  pa- 
tient thus  happily  relieved  from  her  pains,  foon  after 
perfeftly  recovered,  to  the  aftoniflxment  of  all  thofe 
■who  had  been  witnefs  to  herdefperate  fituation. 

The  reafon  given  by  the  Indian  for  this  haaardous 
method  of  proceeding  was,  that  defperate  diforders  re- 
quire defperate  remedies  j  that  as  Ihe  obferved  the 
exertions  of  nature  were  not  fufficiently  forcible  to 
effect  the  defired  confequence,  Ihe  thought  it  neceTary 
to  augment  their  force,  which  could  only  be  done  by 
fome  mode  that  was  violent  in  the  extreme. 


CHAP.  XV. 

0^    THM    MANNER    IN    WHICH    THEY    T^EAT 
THEIR  DEAD. 

An  Indian  meets  death  when  it  approaches 
him  in  his  hut,,  with  the  fame  refolution  he  has  often 
faced  him  in  the  field.  His  indifi'erence  relative  to 
this  important  article,  which  is  the  fource  of  fo  many  I 
.apprehenfions  to  almoft  every  other  nation,  is  truly 
:admirable.  When  his  fate  is  pronounced  by  the  phyfi- 
cian,  and  it  remains  no  longer  uncertain,  he  harangues 
thofe  about  him  with  the  greateft  compofure.  I 

If  he  is  a  chief  and  has  a  family,  he  makes  a  kind  of 
funeral  oration,  which  he  concludes  by  giving  to  hisl 
children  fuch  advice  for  the  regulation  of  their  conj 

his  friends,  and  iffues  out  orders  for  the  preparation 
of  a  feaft,  which  is  defigned  to  regale  thofe  of  his  tnbej 
that  can  corhe  to  inronouncc  his  culogium.  I 


CARVER'S  TRAVFJ^S. 


229 


HEY    7^EAr 


After  the  breath  is  departed,  the  body  is  drcfTed  in 
the  fame  attire  it  ufually  wore  whiift  living,  his  Face 
is  painted,  and  he  is  feated  in  an  ereft  pofture  on  a 
mat  or  ikin,  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  hut,  with  his 
weapons  by  his  fide.  His  relations  being  feated 
r«und,  each  harangues  in  turn  the  dcceafed  ;  and  if 
he  has  been  a  great  warrior,  recounts  his  heroic  ac- 
tions nearly  to  the  following  purport,  which  in  the 
Indian  language  is  extremely  poetical  and  pleafing  : 

"  You  ftill  fit  among  us,  Brother,  your  perfon  re- 
tains its  ufual  refeinblance,  and  continues  fimilar  to 
ours,  without  any  vifible  deficiency,  except  that  it  has 
loft  the  power  of  adion.     But  whither  is  that  breath 
flown,  which  a  few  Iiours  ago  fent  up  fmokc  to  the 
Great  Spirit  ?  Why  are  thofe  lips  filent,  that  lately 
delivered  to  us  expreflive  and  pleafing  language  ?  why 
are  thofe  feet  motionlefs,  that  a  fhort  time  ago  were 
fleeter  than  the  deer  on  yonder  mountains  ?  why  ufe- 
lefs  hang  thofe  arms  that  could  climb  the  talleft  tree, 
or  draw  the  toughefl:  bow  ?  Alas  !  every  part  of  that 
frame  which  we  lately  beheld  with  admiration  and 
wonder,  is  now  become  as  inanimate  as  it  was  three 
hundred  winters  j»go.     We  will  not,  however,  bemoan 
thee  as  if  thou  waft  forever  loft  to  us,  or  that  thy  name 
would  be  buried  in  oblivion  ;  thy  foul  yet  lives  in  the 
great  Country  of  Spirits,  with  thofe  oi"  thy  nation  that 
are  gone  before  thee  ;  and  though  we  are  left  behind 
to  perpetuate  thy  fame,  we  fhall  one  day  join  thee. 
Aftuated  by  the  refpeft  we  bore  thee  whiift  living, 
we  now  come  to  tender  to  thee  the  laft  aft  of  kind- 
nefs  It  IS  in  our  power  to  beftow  :  that  thy  body  might 
not  lie  neglefted  on  the  plain,  and  become  a  prey  to 
the  beafts  of  the  field,  or  the  fowls  of  the  air,  we  will 
take  care  to. lay  it  with  thofe  of  thy  predeceffors  who 
are  gone  before  thee  :  hoping  at  the  fame  tisrs-.  thnt- 
thy  ipirit  will  feed  with  their  fpirits,  and  be  'ready 


to  receive  ours,  when  we  alio  fhall 
Country  of  Souls." 
u 


arrive  at  the  great 
In 


230 


CAR\TIR's   TRAVELS. 


In  fbort  fpeeches  fomewhat  fimilar  to  this  does  eve- 
ry chief  ipeak  the  praifes  of  his  departed  friend.  When 
they  have  fo  done,  if  they  happen  to  be  a  great  dif, 
,tance  from  the  place  of  interment,  appropriated  to 
their  tribe,  and  the  perfon  dies  during  the  winter  fea- 
fon,  they  wrap  the  body  in  ikins,  and  lay  it  on  a  high 
ftage  built  for  this  purpofe,  or  on  the  branches  of  a 
large  tree,  till  the  fpring  arrives.  They  then,  after 
the  manner  defcribed  in  my  Journal,  carry  it,  togeth- 
er with  all  thofe, belonging  to  the  fame  nation,  to  the 
general  burial  place,  where  it  is  interqd  with  fome  othejr 
ceremonies  that  I  could  not  difcover. 

When  the  Naudoweffies  brought  their  dead  for  in^ 
terment  to  the  great  cave,  I  attempted  to  get  an  in- 
fight  into  the  remaining  burial  rites  ;  but  whether  it 
was  on  account  of  the  ftench  which  arofe  from  fo 
many  bodies,  the  weather  being  then  hot,  or  whether 
they  chofe  to  keep  this  part  of  their  cuftoms  fecret 
from  me,  I  could  not  dilcovei- ;  I  found,  however, 
that  they  confidered  my  curioiity  as  ill  timed,  and 
the,ref9re  I  withdrew. 

After  the  interment,  the  band  to  which  the  perfon 
i>elong8,  take  care  to  fix  near  the  place  fuch  hiero- 
glyphics as  Ihall  /hew  to  future  ages  his  merit  and  ac- 
complifbments.  If  any  of  thefe  people  die  in  the 
fummer,  at  a  diftance  from  the  burying  ground,  and 
they  find  it  impoffible  to  remove  the  body  before  it 
|)utrefies,  they  burn  the  flelh  from  the  bones,  preferv,. 
mg  the  latter,  bury  them  in  the  manner  defcribed. 

As  the  Indians  believe  that  the  fouls  of  the  deceaf- 
cd  employ  themfelves  in  the  fame  manner  in  the 
country  of  fpirlts,  as^they  did  on.  earth,  that  they  ac- 
quire their  food  by  hunting,  and  have  there,  alfo,  ene- 
mies to  contend  with,  they  take  care  that  they  do  not 
enter  thofe  regions  defencelefs  and  unprovided  ;  they 
confeqiiently  bijry  with  them  their  bow^i  their  arrowS:; 
and  ^il  the  other  weapons  ufed  either  in  hunting  or 
war.     As  they  doubt  not  but  they  will  likewiie  have 

occafion 


ll;w^    j^— ^ 


<bARVER's  TRAVELS.  23 1 

occafion  both  for  the  neceflanes  of  life,  untl  thofe 
things^  thejr  ^fteem  as  ornamfents,  they  ufually  depoC 

fy  made  the.r  garments  of,  domeftic  utenfils,  and  paint 
for  ornamenting  their  pcrfons.  ""  pamc 

The  near  relations  of  the  de^rt^afed  lament  his 
lols  with  an  appearance  of  great  fon-ow  and  anguifli  • 
they  weep  and  howl,  and  make  ufe  of  manrcontor: 
tions,  as  they  fit  in  the  hut  or  tent  around  the  bodJ^ 

N^Zl^^     ''•'  '^  "^^yrhing  for  the  dead  amohg  the 

W  'M'"^  '^'^''*^  fr""^  ^«y  mode  I  Ob! 

ThTmen  7n  ^i!!\"'''°'''  ^l^ough  which  I  pafled. 

the  flS.  of  M?  •  ^T  ^''^'  ^'''  ^°^'^^^  '^'^  pierce 

he  flefli  of  their  arms,  ^feove  the  elbows,  with  arrows  ; 

rhe  fears  of  which  I  c©tikl  perceive  on  Jhofe  of  ev^r^ 
?^llM''"T  ^  ^.'5  i'Sree  ;  and  the  women  cu^ 

fcW^f  i^  *'^?  '^'.'?  ^'^  ^^^^^"  ^ints,-  till  the 

Wood  flows  very  plentifully, 

lenTtl^  I/emained  amongr  them,  a  couple  whofe 

thrd^.h^;i,  f^«.P^^^*««. ^'^e  fo  muchaffeaed  at 
the  death  of  thetr  fa^oui^ite  child,  that  they  purfued  thfe 
ufual  teftzmonies  of  grief  with  fuch  uncommon  ,^7. 
^T  as  through  the  we,ght  of  forrow  and  lofs  of  blood,, 
!  K  u '?'?^  '^^  ^^^**^  ^f  ^*»*'  father.  The  woman 
htttSf  J^'^^  ""r  i--^°^^ble,  n;  footer  f^' 
iier  hufband  expire,  than  ihe  dried  up  her  tears  and 
appeared  cheerful  and  refigned.  ^  '      ** 

rvtlL^'J-'"  T^T  *°  '''°"'^*  ^'^^  ^°  extraordina. 
ry  a  .ranhtion,  I  took  an  opportunity  to  aik  her  the 
reafon  of  .t :  telling  her  at  the  fame  time,  that  I  ihouS 
have  imagmedl  the  lofs  of  her  huftand  'would  S^ 

^^^Q^^i^'^"^'  ''  ^''''  ^^  ^^^  '  ^d. 
inA>rmed  me,  that  as  the  child  was  fo  younr 
died,  and  unable  to  fupport  itfelf  in  the  coun- 


Xfhm 


23? 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


tfy  of  fpirits,  both  flie  and  her  hufband  had  been  ap- 
prehenfive  that  its  fituation  would  be  far  from  happy  ; 
but  no  fooner  did  fhe  behold  its  father  depart  for  the 
fame  place,  who  not  only  loved  the  child  with  the 
tenderefl;  afFe<ftton,  but  was  a  good  hunter,  and  would 
be  able  to  provide  plentifully  for  it  fuppoi-t,  than 
flie  ceafed  to  mourn.  She  added,  that  fhe  now  law 
no  reafon  to  continue  her  tears,  as  the  child  on  whom 
fhe  doted,  was  happy  under  the  care  and  protection 
of  a  fond  father,  and  fhe  had  only  one  wifh  that  re- 
mained ungratified,  which  was  that  of  being  herfeif 
with  them. 

Exprelfions  fo  replete  with  unafFecied  tendernels, 
and  fentiments  that  would  have  done  honor  to  a  Ro- 
man matron,  made  an  impreflion  on  my  mind  great- 
ly in  favcr  of  the  people  to  whom  llie  belonged,  and 
tended  not  a  little  to  counteract  the  prejudices  I  had 
hitherto  entertaitied,  in  common  with  every  other 
traveller,  of  Indian  infenlibihty  and  want  of  parental 
tendernefs. 

Her  fubfequent  conduct  confirmed  the  favourable 
opinion  I  had  juft  imbibed  j  and  convinced  me,  thai, 
notwithftanding  this  apparent  fufpenfion  of  her  grief, 
ibme  particles  of  that  reluctance,  to  be  feparated  i'rwn 
a  beloved  relation,  which  is  implanted  either  by  na- 
ture or  cuflom  in  every  human  heart,  flill  lurked  in 
hers.  1  obferved  that  fhe  went  almofl  every  evening 
to  the  foot  of  the  tree,  on  a  branch  of  which  the  bod- 
ies of  her  hufband  and  cl  ild  were  laid,  and  after  cut- 
ting ofF  a  lock  of  her  hair,  and  throwing  it  on  the 
ground,  in  a  plaintiv^  melancholy  fong,  bemoaned  its 
fate.  A  recapi'^ulation  of  the  actions  he  might  have 
performed,  had  his  life  been  fpared,  appeared  to  be 
her  favourite  theme  ;  and  whilll  fhe  foretold  the  fame 
that  would  have  attended  an  imitation  of  his  father's 
virtues,  her  grief  feemed  to  be  fufpended  : 

«  If  thou  hadfl  continued  witli  us,  my  dear  Son," 
would  ihe  cry,   "  how  well  would  the  bow  have  be- 
come 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  333 

come  thy  hand,  and  how  fatal  would  thy  arroxvs 
have  proved  to  the  enemies  of  our  bands.  Thou 
wouldft  often  have  drank  their  blood,  and  eaten  their 
flefh,  andiiumerous  ilaves  would  have  rewarded  thy 
tolls.  With  a  nervous  arm  wouldft  thou  have  feized 
the  wounded  baffaloe,  or  have  combated  the  fury  of 
the  enraged  bear.  Thou  wouldft  have  overtaken  the 
%mg  e  k,  and  have  kept  pace  on  the  mountain's 
W  wzth  the  fleeteft  deer.  What  feats  mighteft 
thou  not  have  performed,  hadft  thou  ftaid  among  us 

inftrufted  tl^e  m  every  Indian  accompliihi^ent  l»  In 
enns  hke  thcfe  did  this  untutored  favage  bewaU  the 
Ms  of  her  fon,  and  frequently  would  fhe  pafs  thf; 
greateft  part  of  the  night  in  the  affectionate  employ? 
1  he  Indians  n.  general  are  very  ftrift  in  the  ohferv- 
^nce  of  their  laws  relative  to  morning  for  their 
4ead.  In  fome  nations  they  cut  offtheir  haii-,  blacken^ 
their  faces,  and  fit  in  an  ereft  pofture,  with  .^eh^ 
heads,  clofely  covered,  and  depriving  themfelvcs  of 
every  pleafure.  This  feverity  is  continued  Srfevei^l 
months,  and  with  fome  relaxations  the  appeLrncels  ^ 
fomctxmes  kept  up  for  feveral  years.  I  wTtoFd  thit 
when  the  Naudc^effies  recollekd  any  inci^nts  ol 

terval  of  ten  years,  they  wouU  howl  fo  as  to  be  heard 

th.  proof  of  rdpea  and  afieftion  for  feveral  hours; 
and  If  ,t  happened  that  the  thought  occurred,  and  the 
node  was  begun  towards  the  evening,  tbofe  of  thS 
tribe  nho  are  at  hand  would  join  with  them! 


CHAP. 


C2 


;%* 


234 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


A  CONCISE  CHARACTER  Of  the.  INDIANS. 


L  HE  ch^ra^er  of  the  Indians,  like  that  of 
other  uncivilized  nations,  is  compofed  of  a  mixtare  of 
ferocity  and  'gentlenefs.  They  are  at  once  guided  bj' 
paffions  and  appetites,  which  they  hold  in  common 
with  the  fierce  ft  beafts  that  inhabit  their  woods,  and 
are  pofTefTed  of  virtues  which  dc  honor  to  human 
nature. 

In  the  following  eftimate  I  fliall  endeavor  to  for- 
get on  the  one  hand  the  prejudices  of  Europeans,  who 
ufually  annex  t«  the  word  Indian,  epithets  that  are 
diJIjraceful  to  human  nature,  and  who  view  them  in 
no  other  light  tlian  as  favages  and  cannibals,  whilft 
with  equal  care  I  avoid  niy  partiality  towards  them, 
as  forae  muft  natm'ally  arife  from  the  favourable  re- 
ception I  met  with  during  my  ftay  among  them. 

At  the  fame  time  I  Ihall  confine  mv  remarks  tn 
the  natioT-;  inhabiting  only  the  weftem  regions,  I'uch 
as  the  Naudoweflles,  the  Ottagaumies,  the  Chipe- 
wdys,  the  Winnebagoes,  and  the  Saukies  9  for  as 
throughout  that  diverfity  of' climates,  the  exteniive 
continent  of  America  is  compofed  of,  there  are  peo- 
ple of  different  difpofitions  and  various  chara^ers, 
it  would  be  incompatible  with  my  prefent  undertak- 
ing to  treat  of  all  thefe,  and  to  give  a  general  view 
of  them  as  a  coiyUnjSlive  body. 

That  the  Indians  are  of  a  cruel,  revengeful,  inex- 
orable difpoiltion-  that  "they  will  watch  whole  days 
unmindful  of  the  calls  of  nature,  and  makfc  their  way 
through  pathlefs,  and  almoft  unl)Ounded  woods,  fub- 
fifting  only  on  the  fcanty  produce  of  them,  to  purfue 
acd  revenge  themfelves  of  an  enemy  h  that  they  hear 

unmoved 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


^35 


xnmotred  the  piercing  cries  of  fuch  as  unhappily  faU 
into  their  hands,  ind  receive  a  diabolical  pleafure 
from  the  tortures  they  inflidt  on  their  prifoners,  I 
readily  grant  ;  but  let  us  look  on  the  reverie  of  this 
terrifying  pi^ure,  and  we  ihall  find  them  temperate 
both  m  their  diet  and  potations  (it  muft  be  remem- 
bered  tuat  I  fpea!:  of  thofe  tribes  who  have  little 
communication  with  Europeans)  that  they  withftand, 
with  unexampled  patience,  the  attacks  of  hunger,  or 
the  inclemency  of  the  feafons,  and  efteem  the  grati- 
fication ol  their  appetites  but  as  a  fccondary  confid- 
eration.  ' 

We  fhall  likewife  fee  them  focial  and  humane  to 
thofe  whom  they  confider  as  their  friends,  and  even 
to  their  adopted  enemies  ;  and  ready  to  partake  with 
them  of  the  laft  morfel,  or  to  rifk  their  lives  in  their 
defence* 

In  contradiftion  to  the  report  of  many  other  trav- 
ellers, all  of  which  have  been  tindured  with  preju- 
dice, I  can  aflert,  that  notwithftanding  the  apparent 
indifference  with  which  an  Indian  meets  his  wife  and 
children  after  a  long  abfence,  an  indifference  pioceed- 
mg  rather  from  cuftom  than  iafenfibility,  he  is  not 
unmmdful  of  the  claims  either  of  connubial  or  parent- 
al tendcrnefs ,  the  Jittle  ftory  I  have  introduced  in 
the  preceding  chapter,  of  the  NaudowelTie  woman 
Jamentmg  her  child,  and  the  immature  death  of  the 
father,  will  elucidate  this  point,  and  enforce  the  af- 
fertion  much  better  than  the  moft  liudied  argument's 
1  can  make  ufe  of.  . 

Accuftomed  from  their  youth  to  innumerable  hard- 
Ihips,  they  foon  become  fuperior  to  a  fenfe  of  dan- 
ger, or  the  dread  of  death  ;  and  their  fortitude,  im- 

cept    and   accident,    never   experiences  a   moment's 
allay. 

Though  flothful  and  inaaive  whilft  their  ftorcs 
«t  provifion  remains  unexhawfted,  and  their  foet  are 

I* 


tj6 


GARV£»'s  TRAVELS. 


at  a  diftance,  they  are  indefatigable  and  peHeverlng 
in  purfuit  of  their  game,  or  m  circumventing  their 
enemies. 

If  they  are  artfiil  and  defigning,  and  ready  to  take 
every  advantage,  if  they  are  cool  and  deliberate  ia 
their  councils,  w,nd  cautious  in  the  extreme  either  of 
difcovering  their  fentiments,  or  of  revealing  a  fecret, 
they  might  at  the  fame  time  boaft  of  poffeffing  qualiti. 
cations  of  a  more  animated  nature,  of  the  fagacity  of 
a  hound,  the  penetrating  fight  of  a  lynx,  the  cunning 
of  the  fox,  the  agility  of  a  boundisg  roc,  »Ki  the  un- 
conquerable fiercenefs  of  the  tige!r. 

in  their  public  charafters,  as  forming  part  of  a  com- 
munity,  they  poffefs  an  attachment  for  that  band  to 
iivhich  they  belong,  unknown  to  the  inhabitants  of  any 
ctlier  tountry.  They  combine,  as  if  they  were  a<5luat* 
cd  only  by  one  foul,  againft  the  enemies  of  their  na* 
*ion,  and  banilh  from  their  minds  every  confideratioff 
oppofed  to  this. 

They  coafuk  without  Unneceflary  eppofition,  or 
^vithout  giving  way  to  the  excitements  of  tnvy  or  am- 
laition,  on  the  meafur»  -neceflary  to  be  purfued  for 
itke  deflruftion  of  thofe  who  have  drawn  on  themfelves 
their  difpleafure.  No  felfilh  views  ever  influence  their 
advice,  or  obftrud  their  confukations.  Nor  is  it  in 
the  power  of  bribes  or  threats  to  diminiifli  the  love 
Jthey  bear  their  country. 

The  honor  oi  their  tribe,  and  the  trclfar*  of  their 
nation,  is  the  firft  and  moift  predominant  emotion  of 
their  hearts  j  and  from  hence  proceed  in  a  great 
meafure  all  their  virtues  and  their  vices.  Aduat«d 
by  this,  they  brave  every  danger,  endure  the  moft 
<xquifite  torments,  and  ex|Mre  triumphing  in  their  for- 
titude, not  as  a  perfonal  qualification,  hut  as  a  natiMial 
chara^leriftic. 

From  thence,  alfo  flow  that  infatiable  revenge  to- 
vtvards  thofe  with  whom  they  are  at  war,  and  all  the 
^ccnfequcnt  hojxow  that  di^race  ikck  name.    Their 

uncultivated 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  237 

uncultivated  mind  being  incapable  of  judginq  of  the 
propriety  of  an  aaion,  in  oppofltion  to  their  Valliona. 
which  are  totally  infenllblc  to  the  controls  of  reafon 
or  humanity,  they  know  not  how  to  keep  thnr  fury 
within  any  bounds,  and  confeqiiently.  that  courage 
and  relolution,  which  would  otherwife  do  them  hon- 
or, degenerates  into  a  favage  ferocity. 

But  this  fliort  diiTertation  muil  fuffice  :  the  limits 
of  my  work  will  not  permit  me  to  treat  the  fubjeft 
more  copioufly,  or  to  purfue  it  with  a  logical  reeu- 
larity.  Ihe  obfervatlons  aheady  made  by  my  read- 
ers on  the  preceding, pages,  will,  I  truft,  render  it 
unneceffiiry  ;  as  by  them  they  will  be  enabled  to  form 
a  tolerable  juft  idea  of  the  people  I  have  been  defcrib- 
mg.  Experience  teaches,  that  anecdotes,  and  rela- 
tions, of  particular  events,  however  trifling  they  might 
appear,  enable  us  to  form  a  truer  judgment  of  the 
manners  and  cuftoms  of  a  people,  and  ai^  much  more 
declaratory  of  their  rdal  ftate,  than  the  moft  iluUied 
and  elaborate  difciuifition,  without  thefe  aids. 


CHAP.  XVII. 


OF  TH£iji  LANGUAGE,  HIEROGLrPHICSr^c- 

\T  1  A  ^^^  principal  languages  of  the  natives  of 
Worth  America  may  be  divided  into  four  claffes,  as 
they  confift  of  lueh  as  are  made  ufe  of  by  the  nations 
ot  the  Iroquois  towards  the  eaftern  pai-ts  of  it,  the 
-hipeways  or  Algonkins  to  the  northweft,  the  Naudo- 
"       r  ^-.---.iiv:   -.T^it,  ""vt  Uin,  v^iiciokccs,  iJiiickaiaws, 

K  ■  if  u   T  ^"^  *^^  °'^^^  °^  *^«^«  ^0"r  are  ufed 

oy  all  the  Indians  who  inhabit  the  parts  that  lie  between 

me  coait  of  Labradore  north,  the  Floridas  fouth,  the 

Atlantic 


»38 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Atlantic  Ocean  eaO,  and,  as  far  as  we  can  juiige  from 
the  difcoveries  hitherto  made,  the  Pacific  Ocean  on 
the  treft. 

But  of  all  tiiefc,  the  Chipeway  tongue  appears  to 
be  the  nioft  prevailing  i  it  being  held  in  fuch  efteem, 
that  the  rhiefe  of  evei7  tribe,  dwelling  about  the  great 
lakes,  or  to  the  weftward  of  thefe  on  the  bank:^  of  the 
Miflifippi,  with  thole  as  f^  Ibuth  as  the  Oliio,  and  as 
far  north  a';  HufMbn's  Bay,  confining  of  more  than 
thirty  different  tribes  fpeak  this  language  alone  in 
their  councils,  notwithftanding  each  has  a  peculiar 
one  of  their  own. 

It  will  probably  in  time  become  univerfal  among 
all  the  Indian  nations,  as  none  of  them  attempt  to 
make  excurlions  to  any  great  diflance,  or  are  confid- 
ered  as  qualiiied  to  carry  on  any  negociation  with  a 
diftant  band,  unlefs  they  have  acquired  the  Chipeway 
tongue. 

At  prefent,  bcfides  thfe  Chipeways,  fo  whom  it  is^ 
natural,  the  OttaW^iWs,  the  Saukies)  the  Ottagau- 
mies,  the  Killiftinoes,  the  Nipegons,  the  bands  about 
Lake  Le  Pluye,  and  the  remains  of  the  Algonklns,  or 
Gens  de  Terre,  all  cbnverfe  in  ir,  with  fome  little  va- 
riation of  a  dialeft  ;  but  whether  it  be  natural  to  thofe 
nations,  or  acquired,  t  was  not  able  to  difcover.  I 
am  however  of  opinion  that  the  barbarous  and  un- 
couth dialeft  of  the  Winpebagocs,  the  Menomoniej, 
and  many  other  tribes,  will  become  in  time  totally  ex- 
tinft,  and  this  be  adopted  in  its  ftead. 

The  Chipeway  tongue  is  not  encumbered  with  any 
onneccflary  tones  or  accents,  neither  are  there  any 
trords  in  it  that  are  fuperfluous  }  it  is  aHb  eafy  to 
pronounce,  and  much  more  copious  than  any  other 
Indian  language. 

arts,  or  with  tire  fciences,  and  as  they  arc  ftrangers  to 
ceremony,  or  compliment,  they  neither  have  nor 
need  an  in&ity  c^f  words  wherewith  to  embelli^i 

tjjeir 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS,  ^3^ 

mte  tic  nec^iTariesor  cotSnL    7rV"  ^^'"°'"- 

expreis  their  wants,  which  in  a  llTtf  /    ^'^''  '"'^  ^« 

[but  few.  '  '  '"^  ^  ^*e  of  nature  can  be 

I  havj  annexed  hereto  a  ^i^^^f  u  -, 

ai-ay  language,  '."d  ano^^  ^.t  JJ^,  ?'  "■; 
|fc,  _^^^_a™  „o.  able  .„  .duce  chel  .'o't^^X^i 

«!;i".^l'fo„"dl:  fee  ;"„\''f  f«»''  -«'-'  -y 

I  «fe.  accord  ma  to  their  „  ""aiup  )i,  being 

l.ion3  that  lie  tf  the  n^h  TZ'^T"^  ="'  ""^ 
(ris  as  far  weft  as  th  "S«  of th/^^^i'V"''  ^^ 

As  the  Indians  are  Vr..  ■       ^^"^  Ocean, 

f«p.«-ed,asn:?r»tc-s--rt;y^2 

N,  in  <o„,|'  Satj  ft™  ToT"  '''""8'yPhi".  . 

I  .i.=/peei  ,hrb^"fC  z  tr 'Sd,  r^-- 
'^«"^s:eVd;^':r%\^"^"-'''^^^ 

fa  ,„  o,.„ate  thJ*'""'  °^  *=  P'"'  "'=/  -uft 
p=  following  inftance  wHi  . 

'oe  methods  they  make  uft 

e«i»cffions  I  can  fiame. 


C^JIV^" 


i*  *»5v/f\. 


i  xfcct 


Wl»en 


240 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


When  I  left  the  Miflilippi,  and  proceeded  up  the 
Cliipcway  River,  m  my  way  to  Lake  Superior,  as  r(  - 
bted  in  my  Journal,  my  guide,  wlio  was  a  chief  of 
the  Ghipeways  that  dwell  on  the  Ottawaw  Lake,  near 
tlie  heads  of  the  river  we  had  jull  entered,  fearing 
that  fonie  parties  of  the  Naudoweflles,  with  whom 
Ws  nation  are  perpetually  at  war,  might  accidentally 
fall  in  with  us,  and  before  they  were  ap^irized  of  my 
being  in  company,  do  us  fome  mifchief,  he  took  the 
following  fteps  :  > 

He  peeled  the  bark  fron    i  tree,  near  the  entrance  i 
of  a  river,  and   with  woon  coal,  iiixed  with  bear's 
trreafe,  their'  ufual  lubrtitute  for  ink,  made  in  an  un- 
couth,  but  expreflive  manner,  the  figure  of  the  town 
of  the  Ottagaumies.     He  then   formed  to  the  left  a 
man  dreffed  in  Ikins,  by  which  he  intended  to  reprefenti 
a  Naudoweffie,  with  a  line  drawn  from  his  mouth  tol 
that  of  a  deer,  the  fymbol  of  the  Chipeways.     Afterl 
this  he  depiaured  dill  further  to  the  left  a  canoe  asl 
proceeding   up  the  river,  in  whicji  he  placed  a  maiJ 
fittinc  with    a  hat  on  ;  this   figure  was  defigned  td 
reprelent  an  Englifliman,  or  mylelf,  and  my  I'renchj 
man  was  drawn  with  a  handkerchief  tied  round  hi^ 
head,  and  rowing  the   canoe  ;  to  thefe  he  added  fevj 
cral   other   fignificant    embi--  ns,    among  which  thd 
Pipe  of  Peace  appeared  painted  on  the  prow   of  thd 

canoe.  l    xt    j  I 

The  meaning  he  intended  to  convey  to  the  Maudoj 
weflies,  and  which  I  doubt  not  appeared  perfedUl 
intelligible  to  them,  was,  that  one  of  the  Chipewaj 
chiefs  had  received  a  fpeech  from  fome  Naudowdij 
chiefs,  at  the  town  of  the  Ottagaumies,  defirmg  hnj 
to  condua  the  Englifliman,  who  had  lately  b'  en  amoni 
them,  up  the  Chipeway  river  j  and  that  they  thereDl 
rennired.  that  the  Chipeway,  notwithftanding  he  vaj 
an'avowed  enemy,  flionld  not  be  moieitea  uy  iu.j 
on  his  paflage,  as  he  had  the  care  of  a  perfon  who* 
they  cfteemed  as  one  of  their  nation. 


CARVER'S  TRAVEtS. 


J41 


.anefi,  andwhfchlmLfft''  blazon  .w,h  great  ex. 
cri  bu'.  I  never  el'^StrvX" '"■"""'■''" 
.Uem  than  ,hc  fymboU  alr^dydX.M  """"« 

A  aor.  VOCABULARY  ..    he  Ch.pewat  W 


GT  4Gli. 


A'.  £.  This  people  do  not  make  u.- 
A 


V  .;f'<:/o/ 


Aj 


BOVE 

Abandon 
Admirable 
Afterwards 
All 

Always 

Amifs 

Arrive 

Axe 

Afhes 

Affift 

B 
Ball 

Bag,  or  tobacco  pouch 

Barrel 

Beat 

Bear  a 

Bear,  a  young  one 

Beaver 

Beaver's  fkin 

Be,  or  to  be 

ileard  *  "^^^^h, 

Becaufe 

Believe 

w 


Spitnink 
i*ackiton 
Pilanvah 
Mipidacb 

Kokali 

NapitcH, 

'^okouchtn 

'^gacwet 

Pitigoe 

(^ofpetaiugan 
O1V  utonugan 
Pakkite 
Mackuvah 
Makon 

■^piminique 

'M if  chiton 
Metvinch 
Tilerimah 


»e  ccnfonants,  F^  or  y. 


»v 


242 


CARVIJR's  T]^AVBl§. 


Bplly     , 
Black 

Mj/hwiout 
Mariaute 

Blood 

Mi/kow 

Bpdy 

.n) 

Bottle 

Shijhfgfl 

Brother 

Neconnis 

Brandy  or  Rum 

^Seuttaivawbah 

Bread 

Pabattpj'igan 

Breccli 

M'tfcoufm 

Breeches 

Kipokiiie  Koufaff 

Buck 
Canoe 

Wq/ketch' 

Cheman 

CaU 

Te/henekatv 
Oiemanx) 

Chief,  a 

Carry 

Petou 

Child,  or  Children 

Bobelo/hin 

Coat 

Capoteiuian 

Cold,  I  am 

'Keka/cb 

Come  on 

Moppa 

Come  to 

'Pemotcha 

Comrade 

Neechee 

Concerned 

Tallemiffi 

Com 

Melomin 

Covering,  or  a  W^ffllwst.. 

JJTaivbeivwn 

Country 

Endawlawkeen 

Courage 

'  ^agwawmi/JU 

Cup 

D 

Olfltvgf^,, 

Dance 

Nemeb 

Dart 

Shefiikwc 

Die,  to 

Mp 

Di& 

Mackoan 

Dog 

Alim 

Dead 

Neepo 

Devil,  or  evil  Spirit 

Matcho'ManitQu 

Dog,  a  little  one 

AUtnm 

M.t 


X^^bftj 


CARVEU»s  TRAVELS. 


243 


Done,  it  is  done 

Doubtlefs 

Drefs  the  kettle 

Drink 

Drunken 

Duck 

E 

Earth 

Eat 

Each 

Englifh  ■' 

Enough  Ai^ 

Equal,  or  alike 

Efteem 

Eyes 

F 

?aft 

i^-ll 

Far  off ' 

Fat 

Friend 

Father 

Few,  or  little 

Fatigued 

Field  fown 

Fire 

jfire,  to  ftrikc 

Find 

Fifh 

Fork 

Formerly 

Fort 

FtjrwarJ 

French 
Freeze,  to^ 
Freezes  hard 


-tv 


Si>ia& 

''               hI 

Tojhlton 

"'"'^    m 

Ontdatouhah 

^s 

Pdi^tbah 

^^^1 

\    Minikwah 

•>-~^          '  '1^1 

»"   Ouifquiha' 

1^1 

Chickhip 

;  A               '   nBI 

Aukwin 

,  Oivi/jlirte 

ta| 

Papegik 

sH^^^^I 

Skgdumjb 

Mimiiic    ' 

■9^^^H 

Tanubifcouh 

ft-'  'H^^^l 

Natupetelitnd'ur 

^^1 

Wijkinhhie 

IB 

Waliehic 

u 

Ponkiftn 

Watfaiu 

'^^^1 

Pimmitee 

Bw^^^^^l 

Niconnis 

m 

Noofah 

'^^^^1 

Maungis 

^I^^^^^H 

TaukwiJ/i 

mH 

Kittegaumic 

'^                  ^HJ^^^^I 

Scutta 

^^^1 

Scutecke 

i^^H 

Naniounaviavi 

''l^^^^l 

Kickon 

'.ifl^H 

Naffa^vok'uyot 

'-"'^        '^^l 

Pirn.vcgo 

i^^H 

Wakaivm 

—  •  -'t'**  i^**»*v 

l^MHH 

Nechtegoojb 

fli 

KiJUn 

^m 

Kiffin  Magat 

wM 

Full 


244 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


} 


Full 

Fufee  or  Gun 

G 
God,  or  the  Great  Spirit 
Go  by  water 
Girl 
Give 

Glafs,  a  mirror 
Good 

Good  for  nothing 
Govern 
Ger.tral,  or  Command 

er  in  Chief 
Grapes 
Great 
Cireedy 
Guts 

H 
Hare 

Heart  ^ . , , 

Hate 
Half 

Hair,  human 
Hair  of  bcafts 
TIandlome 
Have 
Head 
Heavsn 
*Ierb 
icre 
Hidden 
Home 
Jlonor 
Hot 

•r* 

iiuw 

How  many 
Hunt 


Moujkimt 

Kitchi  Man'itou 

Pimmifcaiv 

Jeckivajftti 

Millanu 

Waivbemo 

Cawlatch 

Malatal 

Tibarimnw 

Kitchi  Okimanv 

Simauganifh 

Shoamin 

Manatou 

Sawfanvkyji 

Olawbi/b 

Waivpoos 

Michenjuah 

Shingaurimaw 

Nawbal 

Liju 

Peival 

Camgininne 

Tandaulanu 

Oujlecouan 

Speminkaknvin 

Maje/k 

Aconda 

Kemouch 

Entayent 

Mackaivalaw 

Akejhotta 

1  uivne 

Taivnemi/ik 

Kev)ajpi 


Hut^ 


CARVEfe's  TRAVELS. 


% 


Hut,  or  Houie 

I 
Tndians 
front 
Ifland 

immediately 
Indian  corn  v 

Intirely 
Impoftor 
It  might  be  fo 

K 
Kettle 

King,  or  chief 
Keq) 
&iife 

Knife  that  Is  crooked 
Know 

L 

Laugh 
lAzy 
Lame 
Leave 

LctttT 

Life 

Love 

Long  fincc 

Land  Carriage 

Lofe 

Lie  down 

Little 

M 
Meat 
Much 
Man 
March,  to  go 


■     W'ig'Waum 

IJhinawbab 

Pe*wa%uhick 

Minis 

Webatch 

Mtttaivmin 

Nanvpitsh 

Mawlaivti/Jie 

Tawneendo 

Aciikons ' 
Oiemcfw 
J  Gamverimaw 
..-,[  Meckomm 
Cootawgon 
Thickiremaw  ' 

Kitchigawmir^ 

Patvpi 

Kittimi 

Kikeia:e 

Pockiten 

Maivfignaugan  • ' 

Nowfjimowin 

oaukte  * 

Shaivfifia 
-  Cappafaw^OH  ■ 

Packilaugae"' 
J  IVeipemaiu 

Nibii/aiv 
Allijfithpe 
Pimmo'j^e 
WesHvin 


. ..  A 


^^ 


.  1  ,i  • 


■■t 


W  2 


Medlcifitf 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


•  »t 


Medicine 

Mcrchandife     ' 

Moon 

Mortar  to  pound  in 

Male 

Miftrefs 

N 
Needle 
Near 
Nation 
Never 
Night 
No 
Nc^c 
Nothing 
Not  yet 
Not  ai  all 

Nought,  good  foi*    ") 
nothing  J, 

Old  ; 

Otter 

Other 


U?  , : 


;t0^1.n.''»' 


Part,  what  pai^"  "*' 

Powder,  gun  on  d^tift 
Peace,  to  mat^. 
Phiy  '^^^■'  ■ 

Proper 

Prcfentiy  ' 

Peninfub 
O 

Quick 


itegar4 


K 


Majkikk 
Alokochigon 
Debicot 
Poutawgon 
,  Nape 
Neremoujin 

ShanvbonH^ 

Penvitch 

Irisiee 

Cawiikaw 

Debtcot 

Kanv 

Kahego 

Kanvmlfcbi 

Kaguta> 

Ma/at  at 

Kaunuejhine 
Nikkik 

.  Coutaci 

Poagan 
7awnapee 
Packeigo 
Pingo 
Pecacotiche 
TCaiulaimia 
8ait>fega 
WM^ebatch 
^Rlinniffin 

Kegotcb 


'liii. 


M 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Red 
Refolre 
Reladon 
Refpeft 
Rain 
Robe 
River 
Run>  to 
S 
Sad 

OSll 

Sack,  or  Bag 

Sea,  or  large  Lake 

Shoes 

Ship,  or  large  Canoe 

Sorry 

Spirit 

Spoon 

Star 

Steal 

Stockings 

Strong 

Sturgeon 

Sun 

Sword 

Surprifing 

Since 
Shirt 
Slave 
Sleep 
Sit  down 
T 

Teefcb 

1*hat 

There 


Mtfconx) 

^tbelindon 

^awwetnaw 

TatvbatumicM 

Kimmewan 

Ockolaw 

Sippitn 

i*itcheb9t 

Pemrfcatji/ 
Mq/kimot 

■^gankitchigatvmink 
Maukiffin 

Kitcht  Lheman 
Nifcottijfte 
Manitou 
■   Miekwon 
Alank 
Kemautin 
M'tttaui 
Majbkaunuab 
Lanumack 
Kiju 
Simaugan 
£twah,  Etnvah 
Watvbemo 
Mapedoh 
Papawl  wean 
Wackan 
Nippee 
Mintepin 

Mntaundak 
"TibffH    T 
Maiubah 
WatfaudeH 


t.Xi 


14^ 


^Al^k^  tHil^^liv 


This 
Truly 
Together 
Tbbaccc 
Tongue 
T5r,^ 
ioo  little 
Too  much 
Thiink  ym  ■ 

To-ras;»rrow  the 

W 
WamorS 
Water 
War 
Way 

Well  then  \ 
What  is  that  ? 
What  now  ? 
Whence 
Where 
White 

Who  is  there  ? 
Wind 
Winter 
Woman 
Wood 
Wolf 

Yefterday 
Yet 
Young 
YeUow 


er 


Maunaah 
K'kit 

Setnau 

Ofa  .'mniangis 

qffaiHse 

Megwdtch 

W'o'wbunk 

Oufnvaiubunk 

Semragafifiiitj^    ' 

■"Nebkl 

Mickon 
TattneenJah  ! 

^vagonie  ? 

Taunippi 

Tab    ^ 

Waube 

^agonie  Maubiti  f' 

Loutin 

Ptpoun 

Icknuee 

Mittic 

Mawhingon 


Petchilaiiigo 
Mmmmcatch 
WifcotiMJt  f^" 


1 


The  NUMBKtCJiB^'" 


Sir/  /the-^HiPEWil^ 

i..  '-■■' 


On? 


,  s44« ■»'■*■■ 


""afhili 


Three 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


249 


Three 

Four 

Five 

Six 

Seven 

Eight 

Nine 

Ten 

ISieven 

Twenty 

Thirty 

Forty 

Fifty 

Sixty 

Seventy 

Eighty 

Ninety 

Hundred 

Thoufand 


Nifou 

Neau    ' ,  I 

Nayan 

Ningout-vcajfou 

Ninchowaffbu 

ShongaJJou 
Mittaujfou 

MittauJJcu  mh'tk 
Nifichtanuna'w 
Nijfou  Mitto'wnaiu 
Neau  Mittanunanu 
Naratt  Mittanvnaw 

Ningoutrwajfou  Mitt/tivmt'io 
Ninchonvafou  Mittanunnw 
.'     Nijpmaffou  Mitiawttaiu 
Snongajou  MiitanuPaix} 
Mittaujfou  Mitta'wna'xu 
KMittauffou  Mittauffou 
\        Mitta<v)na'iii 

A    fhort    VOCABULARY  of  the  Naudowe.-^ 

Language. 


Axe 

B 

Beaver 
Buffalo 
Bad 
Broach 
Bear,  a 

C 
Canoe 

Child,  a  male  , 
Child,  aVemale 
Come  here 


A/hpaiv 

Cha'wbah 
ITa'wtotigG 
Shejah 
Muzahmtoo 
,  Wahkonjbejah 

Waahtoh 
^  Mechuetah 
Wechoakfeh 
Whacheekfeh 
^ccooymiyare 


Dead 


»|o 


CAkVEk's  TRAVfel^. 


D 

Dead 
Deer- 
Dog 

E 

Eat 
Ears 
Eyes 
Evil 

F 
Fire 
Father 
French  man 
F^HsofWatef 
Frfeha 

Good 

Giv^ 

Go  away 

God,  or  ihcGitiit  Spirit 

Gun 

Great 

Gold 

Hear 

Horfe 

Home,  or  domcftic 

Houfe 

Heaven 

I 
Iron 
I,  or  me 

K 
King,  or  chief 
Kill 

L 
Little 


■.Lake 

Negu/b 

■  Love 

Toh'mjoh 

1            ^^ 

Shungujh 

■'Much 

■  More 

Mchaivmetuiijj 

1  Moon 

Nookah 

■.Mouth 

EJhtike 
Shejah 

■  Medal 

■  Mine 

■Milk 

Paahtah                •      . 

1          N 

Otah 

■^0 

Neehteegujh 

■Near 

Oiuah  Menah 

■^         0 

Kitchi'wah                '^'■''- 

Boh  ! 

\- 

1          P 

Wo/htah 

■Pipe 

Accooyeh 

■Pipe  of  Peac€ 

Accoo'wah 

B       <       R     -v-; 

Wakon 

■Rain 

Muzah  Wakofi' 

King 

T0flg9 

■Round 

'Muzaha-n 

■         '^ 

■Smoke 

ftookijbon 

Vlt  water 

Shuetongf. 

■Sie,  to 

Shttah 

Bleep 

Teebee 

^^■a 

Wopitah  Tebet 

Kn 

Muzah 
Meoh 

IPpirjtuous  I^q 

Otah 

BJP''"'-'« 

Megufbtaiyram 

IL^^   T  ^ 

W^ 


obaccd- 


*i.ni 


toa| 


CARVER'S  TRy),y£t§L; 


Q 


|,Lake 
[Love 

Much 
[More 
JMoon 
[Mouth 
j  Medal 
{Mine 
Milk 


M 


m 

INear 
Oh! 


N 

o 
p 


Pipe 

iPipe  of  Peace 
I  R 

iRain 
Ping 

Round 
S 

noke 
|jlt  water 

"«,to 
fleep 

Baa 
l^pirit 

iipirituous  I^jquora 

i^now 

|8llva: 

T 
5bacc6- 


.Tofigo>f : 
Tonge)  Mench 
Eh'wahnteah 

Otah 
'    Otenavj 

Muzah  Otak 
Menuah 

JEtfaxvboh 

Meyah 
jfeefltnaiu 

Mopiniyahie 

Shanttapaiu 
Shanuapanu  JVakon 

O-wah  Menah 
Muzamchupah 
.Chupah 

^Shaiveah 
Menis  ^eah 

Mfbteemo 

Otnli/hcaiv 

JPaahtah 

WakoH 

Meneh  Wakon 

jinnee 

Jllopintayare 


2|f 


■»-^     T.'^     liJi        V 


Talk 


k 


cArX^er's  travels. 


Talk 
Tree 
There 

W 
Woman 
Wonderful 
Water 
What 

Who  is  there  ? 
Wicked 

Y 
You 
Young 

You  are  good 
You  are  a  Spirit 
You  are  my  g^od  friend 
No  Good 


0<\x)ehchln 

Ockanu 

Dache 

Wimtokejab 

Meneh 
Tanvgp 

Heyahachta 

Chee 

WaJlHah  Chee 
Waken  Chee 

Wajhtah  Kitcki'wah  Che 
Heyah  Wajhtab 


The  NUMERICAL  Terms  ofthe  Naudowissies. 


One 

Two 

Three 

Four 

Fivfc 

Six 

Seven 

IT-ne 
Ten 
Eleven 
T«yenty 
Thirty 
Forty- 
Fifty 
tiixty 
Seventy 


* 

v't 


Woncha'w 
Noompaw 
Taiuvionee 
Toboh 
Sanubutte 
Shatvco 
Shanucopee 

Shahindohin  . 

Neochunganong 
WegOuhnngaf  ong 
Wegochunganong  IVonchato 
Wegochungi^nong  N  mpana 
fVegochunganong  Taiumonee 
iVegochunganong  T"  h«h 
We£  ■^umanong  Sa*wbuife 
Weg,  :  unganong  Sha'oico 
Wegoehun^  nong  Shatucopet 
Eighty 


Eighty 


Meoh   ace 
'fn'ak     Xo/ 
Uit)tmyahle\ 


'I 


'neghh 


I  will 

iiee  the  new  j 
ftiw  clipud^. ; 

piien^eliun 

P-guide  ^;  1 

peer!        ,.'*■ 
'"  ■  & 

/it 


I 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


Eighty 

Ninety 

Hi  tdrccl 
Thoufand  - 


^S3 


l      hindohin 

t      (^htmganong 
Opohng 

^^'^''^""S^^ong  Opahng. 

"hic!.  they  unite  ihei,w6iS,h,!u  r'"»"  '" 

rf -wlody,  Ihouffi,  Lr^   ^    "S-  '"*  '■<""'  kind 

.lions:  and-liavc  ,,iven  asTr    '"";'>V'"«g  cxped!- 
[fcrence  r,f  the  idi^omfvm  ^S^u.""""-""  ^  "^"1!^ 

|fe'h:''ew  ^'^^"^^^^^y-^m,  to 
K  "P""!^     Great  w"'-'     ™P°"'  '"''  *'i»'-ft 

J!««uide  ^-  >f iA  filty  S,"''  "■°™.  «gtefc%ient 
f "  !     .  T":  \  ^:  "^'y  ''^'k  '  >  "y  ta,t  load^aliid. 


Mi 

/ 


CHAP.  XVin. 


X 


i'?n 


f) 


I       V 


^54 


'CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

0/  rHE  BEASTS,  BIRDS,  FISHES,  REPTILES, 

AND   INSECTS,    H'HICH    ARE    FOUND  IN    THE 

INTERIOR  PJRTS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

O^.^^hefe  I  Ihall,  in  the  firfl:  place,  give  a  cat- 
alogue, and  afterwards  a  defcription  of  fuch  only  as 
are  either  prcuUar  to  this  country,  or  which  differ  ip 
fome  material  point  from  thpfe  that  a^e  to  be  met 
with  \xi  pther  realms,. 

.OF  THE  BEASTS. 

The  Tyger,  the  Bear,  Wolves,  Foxes,  Dogs,  the 
Cat  of  the  Mountain,  the  Wild  Cat,  the  Bufl^lo,  the 
Deer,  the  Elk,  the  Mopfe,  the  Carrabpu,  the  Carca- 
jou, the  Skunk,  the  Porcupine,  the  Hedge-hog,  the 
Woodchuckj  the  Racoon,  the  Martin,  the  Filher, 
the  Mufquafh,  Squirrels,  Hares,  R.abbits,  the  Mole, 
the  Weezel,  the  Moyfe,  tl^e  Dprmoufc,  the  Beaver, 
the  Otter,  the  Mmk,  and  Bats.   -  '  . 

The  TYGER.    XHc  Tyger  of  America^rdfemMes 
in  flvapC'thofe   of  Africa  arid  A^a,  but  is  confiderabl/ 
fmaller*    Nor  does  it  appear  to  be  fo  fierce  and  rav- 
enous as  they  are.    -TJiC  colour  of'  it  is  a  darkifh  fal- 
low, and  it  is  entirely  free  from  fpots.     I  fav?  one  on 
an  ifland  in  the  Chipeway  Rjver,  of  which  I  had  aj 
very  good  view,  as  it  was  at  po  great  diftance  fromj 
me.      It  fat  upon    its  hinder  parts  like  a  dog;  and! 
did  not  feem  either  to  be  apprehenfive  of  our  approacbJ 
or  to  difcover  any  ravenous  inclinations.     It  is,  how-| 
ever,  very  feldom  to  be  met  with  in  this  part  of  the 

world.  ,1 

The  BEAR.     Bears    are  very  numerous  on  tlusi 

continent,  but  more  particularly  fo  in  the  northerr 

parts! 


CAkVER»s  TRAVELS.  255 

puts  of  it,  and  contribute  to  furnifh  both  fooil  and 
beds  for  almoft  every  Indian  nation.     Thofe  of  Amer- 
ica differ    in   many    refpe^s  from    thofe    cither   of 
Greenland  or  Ruffii,  they  being  not  only  fomewhat 
fmaller,  but  timorous  and  inoffonfive,  unlefs  they  arc 
pinched  by  hunger,  or  fmarting  from  a  wound.     The 
fight  of  a  man  terrrlics  them  ;  an  J  a  dog  will  put  fcvc- 
ral  to  flight.     They  are  extremely  fond  of  grapes,  ami 
will  climb  to  the  top  of  the  hiaheft  trees  irt  queQ  of 
them.     This  kind  of  food  renders  their  flcfh  excefll 
ivelyrich,  and  finely  flavoured  ;  and  it  is  confequcnt- 
ly  preferred  by  the  Indians  and  traders  to  that  of  any 
other  animal.     The  fat  is  very  white,  and  befidcs  be- 
ing fweet  and  wholefome,  is  poflefled  of  one  valuable 
<riality,  which  is,  that  it  never  cloys.     The  inhabit- 
ants of  thefe  parts  conftantly  anoint  thcmfllvcs  with 
It,  and  to  its  efficacy   they  in  a  great  meafure  owe 
their  agihty.     The   feafon  for  hunting  the  bear  is 
during  the  winter  }  when  they  take  up  ^heir  abode  in 
hollow  trees,   or  make  themfclvcs  dens  in  the  roots 
of  thofe  that  are  blown  down,  the  entrance  of  which 
they  ftop  up  with  branches  of  fir  that  lie  fcattered 
uM/x    J'"°'"   thefe  retreats  it  is  faid  they  ftir  not 
whilft  the  weather  continues  feverc,  and  as  it  is  well 
known  that  they  do  not  provide  themfelves  with  fooil, 
they  are  fuppofed  to  be  enabled  by  nature  to  fubfift 
for  fome  month?  without,   and  during  this  time  to 
continue  of  the  fame  bulk. 

The  WOLF.  The  wolves  of  North  America  arc 
much  lefs  than  thofe  which  are  met  with  in  other 
parts  of  the  world.  They  have,  however,  in  com^ 
mon  with  the  reft  of  their  fy:^ecles,  a  wildnefs  in  their 
looks,  and  a  fiercenefs  in  .heir  eyes  ;  notwjthftandintj 

F.!!_i_?^Z  ,^'"*^  ^^f  ^^5».^.  .'^5'ng  fo  ravenous  as  the 
^u;vp>.;ji  -.vvivvo,  iio»  wiii  they  ever  attack  a  man, 
except  they  have  accidentally  fed  on  the  flefli  of  thofe 
flam  in  battle.  When  they  herd  together,  as  they 
oHm  do  m  the  winter,  tfiey  make  a  hideous  and  ter- 
'■  rible 


2s6 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


rible  nolfe.  In  thtfe  parts  there  are  two  Jcinds  j  one 
of  which  is  of  a  fallow  coloujp,  tjie  other  of  a' dun,  in- 
clining to  a  black. 

The.  FOX.  There  are  tvyo  forts  •  of  i  kjxes  in  Nori  h 
America,  which  differ  only  jn  their  colour,  one  being 
of  a  reddifh  brown,  the  other  of  a  grey  v  thofe  of  the 
latter  kind  that  are  found  near  the  river  MilTifippi, 
are  extremely  beautiful,  their  l^air  being  of  a  filver 

DOGS.  The  dogs  employed  by  the  Indians  In 
hunting  appear  to  be  all  of  the  fame  fpecies  ;  they 
carry  their  esrs  ereft,  and  greatly  refemble  a  wolf 
about  the  head.  They  are  exceedingly  ufeful  to  them 
in  their  hunting  excurfions,  and  will' attack  the.ficr- 
ceft  of  the  game  they  are  in  purfuit  of.  They  are 
alfo  remarkable  for  their  fidelity  to  their  mafters  ;  but 
being  ill  fed  by  them,  are  very  troublefome  in  their 
huts  or  tents. 

,  The  CAT  of  the  Mountain.  This  creature  is  in 
fhape  like  a  cat,  only  much  larger.  The  hair  or  fur 
refcmbles  alfo  the  flcin  of  that  domeftic  animal  ;  the 
colour,  however,  diiFers,  for  the  former  is  of  a  reddilh 
or  orange  caft,  but  grows  lighter  near  the  belly. 
The  whole  £kin  is  beautified  with  black  fpots  of  dif- 
ferent figures,  of  which  thofe  on  the  back  are  long, 
and  thofe  on  the  lower  parts  round.  On  the  ears 
there  are  black  ftripes.  This  creature  is  nearly  as 
fierce  as  a  leopard,  but  will  feldom  altack  a  man 

The  BUFFALO.  This  bead,  of  which  there  are 
amazing  numbers  in  thefe  parts,  is  larger  than  an  ox 
has  ihort  black  horns,  with  a  large  beard  under  his 
chin,  and  his  head  is  fo  full  of  hair,  that  it  falls  over 
his  eyes,  and  gives  him  a  frightful  look.  There  is  a' 
bunch  on  his  back  which  begins  at  the  haunches,  unci 
increafing  gradually  to  the  Ihouldcrs,  reaches  on  to 
the  neck.  Both  this  excrefce^ce  and  its  wliole  body 
are  cqm  ired  with  long  hair,  or  rather  wool,  of  a  dun 
or  moufe  colour,  which  is  e^^^^edingly  valuable,  oipe- 

ciully 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  257 

cialljr  that  on  the  fore  part  of  the  body.  Its  head  is 
larger  than  a  bull's,  xvith  a  very  fhort  neck  j  the  breaft 
IS  broad,  anc^.  the  body  decreafes  towards  the  buttock?. 
Hide  creatures  will  run  away  at  the  fight  of  a  man, 
and  a  whole  herd  will  make  off  when  they  perceive 
a  fmgle  dog.  The  fleih  of  the  buffalo  is  excellent 
food,  Its  hide  IS  extr^ely  ufeful,  and  the  hair  very 
^""^r  ^Ji^  manufa^fbare  of  various  articles. 

1  he  OEER.  There  is  but  one  fpcies  of  deer 
m  North  America,  and  thefe  are  higher  and  of  a  flim- 
in.r  make  than  thofe  in  Europe.  Their  fhape  is  near- 
ly  the  fame  as  the  European,  their  colour  of  a  deep 

T  rh.  A  ^  '^'r  S?''"^'    ""^^y  ^"'g^  ^"^  branching. 
This  beaft  IS  the  fwifteft  on  the  American  plains,  and 

I    %"l  i^S'ther  as  they  do  in  other  counfries. 

the  ELK  greatly  exceeds  the  deer  in  fize,    being 
in  bulk  equa  to  a  horfe.     Its  body  is  fliaped  like  thai 
0.  u  deer,  only  its  tail  is  remarkably   Ihort,  being  not 
more  than  three  inches  long.     The  colour  of  its  hair 
which  ,s  grey,  and  not  unlike  that  of  a  camel,  but  of 
a  more  redd.fh  caft,  is  nearly  three  inctds  in  length, 
and  as  coarfe  as  that  of  a  horfe.     The  horns  of  this' 
creature  grow  to  a  prodigious  fr/e,  extending  fo  wide 
.ha.  two   or  three  perfons  might  fit  between  them  at 
eer^'b^Vr"    7\^. -^  "^^  forked  like  diole  of  ' 
er^.^    m""'  !,"  '^r  T'^'  °^  ^'^'''^^'  «"  the  out^ 
Lk.^       ,  °^  ^""T  *^  ^"""^  ^^  thofe  of  the  elk  re- 
femblea  deer  3,   the  former  being  flat,   and  eight  or 

ZdTZ  '''"''^*  '''^'''''  '^'  '^"er  are  round  and 
confiderably  narrower.     They  ihed  their  horns  every 

Tew  o"ne^'  "°"'^  f  ^'^''''^'  ^"^  ^y  Auguft  th^ 
new   ones   are    nearly  arrived    at  their  full  growth. 

Notwithfundmg  their  fize,  and  the  means  of  defence 
nature  hag  fumln^^A  ^u^-.  ^.vi  ..  _  _  '^^  wticutc 
as  a  rl^*.-      Tu  ":".;'/"":""    ••""'  ^""^y  "»c  »»  amorous 

as  well  as  that  of  a  buck.  They  feed  -n  ijrafs  in  the 
fummcr,  and  on  mofs  or  bud«.  in  .k.  ":„  "  ^'''  '"  ^^^ 


mofs  or  buds  in  the  winter. 


X 


The 


258    - 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


The  MOOSE  is  nearly  about  the.fize  of  lue  elk, 
and  the  horns  of  it  are  abnoft  as  nijinerous  as  that 
animal's  i  the  ftem  of  them,  however,  is  not  qyite  fo 
%vicle,  and  they  branch  ov  both  fides  like  thofe  of  a 
deer.  This  creature  alfo  flieds  thero  every  year. 
Though  its  hinder  parts  are  very  tjroad,  its  tail  is 
not  above  an  inch  long.  It  has  feet  and  legs  like  a 
camel  ^  its  head  is  about  twp  feet  longi  its  vjppcr  lip, 
is  much  larger  than  the  under,  and  the  noftrils'  of  it  are 
fo  wide  that  a  man  might  thruft  his, hand  into  them 
a  cohfiderabl^  way.  The  hair.of  the.  piopfe  JsJight 
grey,  mixed  with  a  blackifli  red.  It  is  very  elaftic, 
for  though  it  be  beaten  ever  fo  long,  it  will  retain  its 
originalihape.  The  flefh  is  exceeding  good  fpp'd,  ea- 
fy  of  digeflion,  and  very  noyrlihing.  The  nofe  or 
upper  lip,  whirh  is  large  and  loole. from  the  gums,  is 
cjftccmed  a  great  delicacy,  being  of  a  firm  coiijiftence, 
betwe::n  marrow  and  griille,  and  when,  properly 
drefTed,  affords  a  rich  and  lufcious  difh.  Its  hide  is 
very  proper  for  IcatTier,  being  thick  and  ftrong,  yet 
foft  aud  pliable.  The  pace  of  this  creature  is  always 
a  trot,  v/hich  is  fo  expeditious,  that  it  is  exceeded  in 
fwifthefs  but -by  few  of  its  fellow  inJiabitants  of  thefe 
woods.  .  It  is  generally  foun^  in  the  fjrefls,  where  it 
feeds  on  mofs  and  buds.  Though  this  creature  is  of 
the  deer  kind,  it  never  herds  as  thpfe  do.  Mofl  au- 
thors confound  it  with  the  elk,  deer  or  carrabou,  but 
it  is  a  fpecies  totally  diiTerent,  as  might  be  difcovered 
by  attending  to  the  defcription  I  have  given  of  each. 
/The  CARRABOU.  This  beaft  Is  nor  near  fo  tall 
as  the  moofe,  however,,  it.isifomftthi.ug  like  it  in  flupe, 
only  rather  more  heavy,  and  incliniug  to  the  form  '  f 
an  afs.  The  horns  of  it  arc  not  fiat  ,is  thofe  of  tlw 
elk  are,  but  round  like  thoGj^.of  the  deer;  ,they  alfo 


*•«•  kAA^ 


more  over  the  face  than  either  thofe  of  the  elk  or 
moofe.  It  par,takes  of  the  fwiftnefs  of  the  deer,  and 
is  with  diiriculVv  overtaken  by  its  purfuer*.     The  flefli 

of 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ..^ 

ofitilkewife  Is  equally  as  good,  the  tongue  particu- 
larly .s  in  lugh  efteem.     The  fkin  being  Looth  ^^ 

ti^'^cYrca 

cat  kin  I  jV     ;    -^M  ^^''  creature,  which  Is  of  thq 

cat  kind,  is^a  terrible  enemy  to  the  preceding  four  foe- 
cies  of  beafts.     He  either  comes  upon  them  from  fomJ 
concealment  unperceived,  or  climbs  up  into  T  trS 
and  takmg  his  ftation  on  fome  of  the  bnnches' waits' 

iT'fl    l^"''  ^r'""  ^y  ^"  ^^^^^"^^  °f  heat  orS 
takes  flidter  under   ,t  ;  when  he  faftens   upon   his 

neck  and  opening  the  jugular  vein,  foon  brings  his 
prey  o  the  ground.  This  he  Is  enabled  to  do  by  h L 
long  tail,  w,th  which  he  encircles  the  body  of  hil  ad- 
verfary  ;  and  the  only  means  the-^  have  to^flVun  ht" 
fate  ,s  by  flymg  immediately  to  the  water  ;  L  th 
Ltte"  V''  ^^^^^^^"^-^  g'-t  diflike  to'tS  de! 
r^urpy:  '""^"""  ^°*  "^  '^^^^^«-  1-  "n  effea 

im'?JLf  H^'T'  ™^  ''  *^^  "^^^^  extraordinary  an- 
mal  that  the  American  woods  produce.  It  is  rather 
lefs  than  a  pole  cat,  and  of  the  fame  fpecles  it  i^ 
aierefore  often  miflakeh  for  that  creature  b^i;  yj^ 
J>fferent   from  it   in  many  points.     Its  hair    k  loZ 

}oLZf  ''"n?'^  ''-''''  ^^^Se  biack  and  whkf 
fl  ots  the  former  moftly  on  the  ihouldcrs  and  rump  - 
Its  ta.1  IS  very  bufhy,  like  that  of  the  fox,  part  bhcV 
and  part  white  hke  its  body  ;  it  hves  cl  ie%  in  the 
woods  and  hedges  ;  but  its  extraordinary  powers  ^e 
only  fhewn  when  it  is  purfued.     As  foon  ^  he  fin^s 

Sra"ite'"^^f^^^^^  ^  ^-'^  ''^  from 
an  T.  Ik    ?      ^  ''""  f  "'^''''  "f  ^«  ^"^^ile  a  nature, 
and  at  the  fame  time  fo  powerful  a  imell,  that  the 
air  B  tamt.,f  with  it  for  half  a  mile  in  circmnWce 
and  his  purluers,  whether  n.en  nr  dc^.    u!!:l'^:l^^ .' 

iuCTocated  with  the   itrnch,  are  ohlmM  \^"''""^  ''"""" 
theniirriiif      r^..fi         '«■">  •»re  oDiiged  to  give  over 

defcribc 


20''?" 


a6o 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.- 


dcfcrlbe  the  noifome  effefts  of  the  liquid  witTi  wfiich 
this  creature  is  fiipplicd  by  nature  for  its  defence.  If 
a  drop  of  it  falls  on  your  clothes,  they  arc  rendered 
fo  difagreeable  that  it  is  impoilible  ever  after  to  wear 
them  j  or  if  any  of  it  enters  your  eyelids,  the  pain  be- 
comes intolerable  for  a  long  time,*and  perhaps  at  laft 
you  lofe  your  fight.  The  fmell  of  the  ik>.nk,  though 
thus  to  be  dreaded,  is  not  like  tha*  of  a  putrid  car- 
cafs,  buf  a  ftrong  fcctid  effluvia  of  muflc,  which  dif- 
pleafes  rather  from  its  penetrating  power  than  from 
its  naufeoufnefe.  It  is  notwithftanding,  confidered  as 
conducive  to  clear  the  head,  and  to  raifc  the  fpirits. 
This  water  is  fuppofed  by  naturalifts  to  be  its  urine  j 
but  I  have  diflefted  many  of  them  that  I  have  fhot, 
and  have  found  within  their  bodies,  neat-  the  urinal 
veflel,  a  fmall  receptacle  of  water,  totally  diftin£t  from 
the  bladder  which  contained  the  urine,  and  from 
which  alone  I  am  fatisfied  the  horrid  ftench  proceeds. 
After  having  taken  out  with  great  care  the  bag  where- 
in this  water  is  lodged,  I  have  frequently  fed  on  them, 
and  have  found  them  very  fweet  and  good  ;  but  one 
drop  emitted  taints  not  only  the  carcafs,  but  the  whole 
houfe,  and  renders  every  kind  of  provifions,  that  are 
in  it,  unfit  for  ufe.  With  great  juftice  therefore  do 
the  French  give  it  fuch  a  diabolical  name. 

The  PORCtrPINE.  The  body  of  an  American 
porcupine  is  in  bulk  about  the  fize  of  a  fmall  dog,  but 
it  is  both  fhortcr  in  loigth,  and  not  fo  high  from  the 
ground,  k  varies  very  much  from  thole  of  other 
countries  both  in  its  {taijpm  smd  the  length  of  its  quills. 
The  former  is  like  that  af  a  fox,  except  the  head,  which 
is  not  fo  Iharp  a:^d  long,  but  refembles  more  that  of 
a  rabbit.  Its  ^ciy  is  covered  with  haii  of  a  dark 
bro<wn,  about  kmr  inches  lone,  great  part  of  which 
are  the  thickne^  ^  a  fbaw,  and  are  termed  its  quills. 
Thefe  arc  white,  with  black  points,  hc^ow  and  very 
ftrong,  efpeciaily  thofe  that  grow  on  the  back.  The 
quills  ferve  thk  creature  for  dffenfive  and  defenfive 

weapons, 


r  to  wear 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.,  ^6i 

weapons,  which  he  darts  at  his  enemies,  and  if  they 
peirce  the  ileila  m  the  lealj  degree,  they  will  fmk  quite 
into  It  and  are  not  to  be  extr,fted  without  inciiion. 
1  he  Indians  ufe  them  for  boring  their  ears  and  nofc, 
0  infert  their  pendants,  and  alio  by  way  of  ornament 
in  their  ftockix.gs,  hajr,  &c.  beade^'^ch,  they  ral 
ly  efteem  the  flciji.  -     ■    ^  -  -  '    "  /  h'^*^  , 

T].e  WOOD  pmjCK  is  a  groS  animal  of  the^ 
far  kmd   about  the  fize  of  a  martin,  being  nearly  fif! 
teen  mche.  long  ;  its-  body,  however,  is  rouuderf  and 

Tt7T  ','^'  ^""'^  P^^^^  °f  '''  ^^^  broad,  and 
conftruaed  for  the  puxpofe  of  digging  holes  \n  the 
ground,  where  ,t  burrows  like  a  rabbit  f  Jts  fur  is  of  a 
greycolom-,  on  thereddifh  call,  and  its  ?Lcik  tolerabk 

The  RACOON  is  fomewhat  lefs  in,  fize  than  a  bea- 
ver, and  Its  feet  and  legs  are  like  thofeof  that  crea- 
ture,  but  fliort  ,n  proportion  to  its  body,  wLch   re- 

much  like  a  fox's,  only  the  ears  are  flwter,  .more 
round  and  naked  ;  and  its  hair  is  alfo  fimilar  to  that 
ani^uis    being  th.ck    long,  foft,   and  black   at  the 

acrofs  It,  and  mcludes  the  eyes,  which  are  lar^e.     Its 
muzzle  IS  black,  and  at  tl^e  end  roundiflx  like  tliat  of 
a  dog  5  the  teeth  are  alfo  fimilar  to  thofe  of  a  do.' 
m  number  and  fliape  ;  the  tail  is  long  and  rgund,  with 
.nnu  ar  topes  on  it  like  thofe  of  a  cat ;  the  feet  iTate 
in  e  long  flcnder  toes,   armed  with  fliarp  claws    bv 
winch  It  IS  enabled  to  climb  up  trees  like'a  mlnkey^ 
and  to  nm-to  the  very  extremities  of  the  boughs.     I 
makes  ufe  of  ,ts  £ore  feet,  in  the  manner  of  hands  and 
eedsitfefwuh  them.    The41efh  of  this  crcJ^^H. 
vury  good  m  the  months  of  September  and  Oaober' 
when  fruit  and  nu^s    -^ii   ^,u:„u   :.   i-!_        _    ^     _""vi, 

..^.w*  .»  mww   I.U  iced,  arc 


pienty. 

The   MARTIN  is   rather  larger  than  a  fquirrel, 
md  fomewhat  of  the  la....  irakef  its  legs  and  daws, 

however, 


i62 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


however,  are  considerably  fhorter.  Its  ears  are  fhorf  j 
broad,  and  roundifbj  and  its  cyes^^fhme  in  the  night 
like  thofe  of  a  cat.  The  whole  body  is  covered  with 
fur  of  a  brownifh  fallow  colour,  arid  there  are  fome  in 
the  more  northern  parts  -which  are  black  9  the  Ikins 
of  the  latter  are  of  much  greater  value  than  the  otlv 
ers.  the  tail  is  covered  with  long  hair,  which  iTiakes 
it  appear  thicker  than  it  realiy  is.  Its  flefh  is  fome- 
timcs  eaten,  but  is  not  in  any  g/eat  eftcefti. 

The  MUSQITASH',  or  MUSK  RAT,  is  fo  term- 
cd  for  the  exquifitc  mufli  which  it  affords.  It  appears 
to  be  a  diminutive  of  the  beaverj  being  endowed  with 
all  the  properties  of  that  fagacious  animal,  and  wants 
nothing  but  fize  and  ftrength,  being  not  much  bigger 
than  a  krge  rat  of  the  Norway  breed,  to  rival- the 
creature  it  fo  much  refembles.  Was  it  not  for  its 
tail,  which  is  exadly  the  fame  as  that  of  an  Europe- 
an rat,  the  ftru^lure  of  their  bodies?  is  fo  much  alike, 
efpecially  the  head,  that  it  might  be  taken  for  a  fmall 
beaver.  Like  that  creature  it  builds  itfelf  a  cabin,  but 
of  a  lefs  perfe^  cocfftruftro-n,  and  takes  up.  its  abode 
near  the  fideoffonw  piece  of  water.  In  the  fpring 
they  leave  their  retreats,  and  in  pairs  fubfift  on  leaves 
and  roots  till  the  fuminer  cOmes  on,  when  they  feed 
on  ftrawberries,  rafberriev  a«d  fuch  other  fruits  r.s 
they  can  reach.  At  the  approach  of  winter  they  fep- 
arate,  when  each'  takes  up  its  lodging  apart  by  itfelf  in 
fome  hollow  of  a  tree,  where  they  remain  quite  un- 
provided with'food,  and  there  is  the  greateft  reafon  to 
believe,  fubfiflr  without  any  till  the  return  of  fpring. 
^  SQUIRRELS.  There  are  five  forts  of  fquirrels 
in  America  ;  the  red,  the  grey,  the  black,  the  varie- 
gated and  the  flying.  The  two  former  are  exa^Iy  the 
lame  of  thofe  of  Europe  j  the  black  are  fomeWhat 
larcrer.  and  differ  from  them  nnlv  in  cc 
egated  alfo  refemble  tliem  in  Ihape  and 

white 


'*/^I,  %ii** 


«-K< 


very  beautiful,  being  finely  ftriped  w 

and  foinetimes  with  red  and  Mack.     The  Am 


grey, 
^rlcan 
flying 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


*^3 


flv.ng%irrelis  mijch  lefs  than  the  European,  bein* 
not  above  five  inch.eslong,  and  of  a  ruflet  grey  or  afli* 
colour  on  the  back,  and  white  on  the  under  mxts.  It 
has  black  prominent  eyes,  lijce  thofe  of  the  moufe. 
wit  h  a  long,  flat  broad  tail.  By  .a  membrane  on  e^ch 
iidt,  which  reaches  from  Its  fore  to  its  hind  legs,  this 
creature  is  enabled  to  ly^ap  from  one  tree  to  Mother, 
ev^if  they  ftand  a  confiderable  diftancc  apart:  this 
Joofc  lkm,jvhichit  is  enabled  to  ^retch  Qpt  like  a  fail, 
and  by  which  it  is  bouyed.up,  «  about  two  inches 
broad,  and  is  covered  with  a.fine  hair  or  down.  It 
feeds  upon  tiic  .(^Aie  provifiom  as  th^  other?,  and'is 
eafily  tamed. 

m  BEAVER.  This  creature  has  been  to  often 
tr^ted  off,  and  his  uncommon  abilUies  fo  minutely 
defcribed,  that  any  fi^ther  account  of  it  will  appeai 
unneceflaiyi  however,  for  the  benefit  of  thofe  of^nv 
readers  who  are  not  fo  well  acquainted  with,  the  forra 
Jiidpropertiesof  this  fagacious  and  ufeful  animal,  I 
fl>all  give  , a  concife  defmption  of  it.  The  beaver  is 
an  aiuphibiom  quadruped,  which  cannot  live  for  any 
long  time  la  the  xvater,  and  it  is  faid  is  even  able  to 
exift  entu-ely  without  it  provided  it  has  the  conv^ni- 
ence  of  fometimes  bathing  jtfelf.  The  largeft  beavers 
are  nearly  our  feet  in  Jength,  and  about  fourteen  or 
fifteen  inches  in  breadth  over  the  haunches  j  thqy 
weigh  about  fixty  pounds.     Its   head  is  likr  that  of 

fmall,  the  ears  fliort,  round,  hairy  on  the  Sutfidc,  aiKi 
Wh  within,  and  its  teeth  very  long  ^  the  und^ 
et.h  ftand  out  of  their  mouths  about  the  breadth^ 
tliree  fingers,  and  the  upper  half  a  finger,  all  of  which 
are  broad,^crookal,  ftrong,  and  Oiarp  ;  befides  thofe 
teeth  called  the  >icifore,  which  grow  double,  mm  fct 
very  deep  in  their  jaws.  :ind  bead  like,  th-  -=!^=  .t£  ^^. 
L^!l  1^^  W  fixteen  grinders,  eight  on  «Si^i«k; 

below,  (iir«Stlv 


or 


her.     With  the.fornier  tl 


appoii 


each 


•ifc  able  to  cut  down 


trees 


2<?4 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


trees  of  a  confiderable  fi2e,  with  the  latter  to  break 
the  hanleft  fublhnces.     Its  legs  are  fliort,  particular- 
ly  the  fore  legs,   which    ^re  only  four  or   five  inches 
long,  and  not  unlike  thofe'of  a  badger  •,  the  toes  of  the 
fore  feet  i.re  feparate,  the  nails  placed  obliquely,  and 
are  hollow  like  quillG  ;  but  the   hind   feet  are  quite 
different,  and  furniflied  with  membranes  between  the 
toes.^     By  this  means  it   can  walk,  though  but  flowly, 
and  is  able  to  fwim  with  as  much  eafe  as  any  other 
aquatic  animal.     The  tail  of  rnis  animal  fomewhat  rc- 
fembles  a  fifh,  and  feems  to  nave  no  manner  of  rela- 
tion to  the  reft  of  the  body,  except  the  hind  feet,  all 
the  other  parts  being  fimilar  to  thofe  of  land  animals. 
riie  tail  is  covered  with  a  Ikin-  furnifhed  with  fcales, 
that  are  joined  together  by  a  pellicle  }  thcle  fcales  are 
about'  the  thicknefs  of  parchment,  nearly   a   line   and 
a  half  in  length,  and  generally  of  a  hexagonical  fig- 
ure, having  fix  corners ;  it  is  aboiit  eleven  or  twelve 
inches  in  length,  and  broader  in  the  middle,   where 
it  is  four  inches  over,   than  either  at  the  root  or  tin 
extremity.     It  is  about  two  inches  thick  near  tlie  bo- 
dy, where  it   is  almoft  round,   and  grows  gradu£\lly 
thinner  and  flatter  to  the  erd.       The  colour  of  the 
beavef  is  different  according  to  the  different  climates 
in  which  it  is   found.  •  In  the  inoft  northern  parts 
they  are  generally  quite  black  ;  in  more  temperate, 
brown  j  their  colour  becoming  lighter  and  lighter  as 
they  approach  towards  the  fouth.     The  fur  is  of  two 
forts  all  over  the  body,  except  at  the  feet,  where  it  is 
very  Aort  ;    that  which  is  the  Tongeft,  is  generally  in 
length  about  an  inch,  but  on  the  back  it  fometimes 
extends  to  two  inches,  gradusUly  diminifhing  towards 
the  head  ami  tail.     This  part  of  the  fur  is  harfli, 
coarfe  and  fliining,  and  of  little  ufe  ;  the  other  part 
confifts  of  a  very  thick  and  fine  down,  fo  foft  that   it 
feels  auiiuu  like  iirK,  about  three  quarters  of.  an  inch 
in  length,  and  is  what    is  commonly  rnanufadured. 
Caftor,  which  is  ufeful  in  medicine,  is  produced  from 

the 


CARVER',  TRAVELS,  ,«j 

harden,  in  the  air  J.)  K  u  ""^  c^loreutti ;  it 

friable.  ,  Thr  u2ri^  b,'"^''  •'"•°"'''  ^ittfe,  ,a„d 

Iv  wonderfiil     C*;!^"-""?  ^o*^  "^^eir   lubfiftence,  is  tru- 

Umes  of  two  or  three  hundJp^       ?  ^'''P'"'"'  ^'^'^^- 
liberation  rj  "*^^'v^''^,^"n"red,  and  after  mature  de- 

H^^^c^^i/ :^^e t^  Pl^jy.of^ifio; 

t'uciuictves  round  i  hm*.  «,,^    n    j  "■    -w«-.v.io  ^^acinff 
kg  te«h  rbri,^:TCS     "L^'Tf  ""V"''^ 


Anik 


266 


CARVER'S  1  RAVELS. 


■by  a  continuance  of  the  {^me  hhot  nncl  induf.n^ 
'^ut  it  into  proper  lengths/ they  'i:oll  thde  into  the 
water,  and  navigate  them  towards  the  place  where 
they  ve  to  be  employed.  Without  entering  more 
minutely  jnto  the  ,;rtieafur^s  they  pnrfue  in  the  con- 
flruftion  oi"  their  dams,  I  i&all  only  remark,  that  ha\- 
ing  prcparecl  a  kitid  of  mortar  .>^ith  tlieir  i«^t,  and 
laid  it  on  wi^h  thdr  taik,  which  they  had  Ijefore  made 
ufe  of  to  tranfport  it  to  the  pUce  where  it  is  requifite, 
iheyconftruiathein  with  as  much, fuiidity  and  regu- 
larity ts  the '  ttibft  experienced  >orknc\en  could  do. 
The  'formation  of  their  cabins  is  ,no  lefs  ,? mazing. 
Thefeare  cither  built  on  pc^es  in  the  middle  of  the 
fmall  lakes  they  have  thus  formed,  on  the  bank  of  a 
river,  or  at  the  extremity  of  fqjpe  point  of  land  that 
advances  'into  a  lake.  The  figure  bf  t^em  is  round 
or  oval,  and  they  are  lafhioncd  with  aii  ingenuity  c- 
.qualto  thqir  dams.  Two  thirds  of  the  edifice  ftand? 
above  the' Water,  and  this  part  is  fufficiently  capacious 
to  C9nta'ln' eight  '  or  ten  inhabitants.  Er.ch  beaver 
;h3sliis  place  alligned  him,  the  flqor  df  which  he  cu- 
,>ipufly  ftrews  vtr^th  leaves,  or  fmair  branches  of  the 
pine  tree^ to  as  to  render  it  clean  and  comfortable  ) 
ind  their  cabins  ai:e'aU  iituated  ib'  contiguous  to  each 
other,  as  to  allow  pf  an  eafy  commuiitcation.  The 
winter  never  rurprifesthefeafiimiil^  befoi^' tjieir  buii- 
nef?  is  completed  }  fof  by  the" latter  end  of,  Se^tfember 
their  hdules  are  linifhed,  a^d  tWeir^ock  of  provifions 
is  generally  laid  in,  Tbtfe  donflft,X)f  toll  pi^c€l3  of 
W(X)d  whofe  texture  is  fqfl^  lllch^  ^k  thh  poplar,  the 
afpin,  or  willow,  &c.wiiich'th^ey  Say  Up-m  pite,  m 
*dHpofcofinfuch  manner'  as  to  preftrve  thcir^moiltr 
ure.  Was  I  io  enumerate  e^Qfj  inftarceof  fagnctty 
Vk-v:-  *-j  u„  Aih-ryjered  in  th<ifc  nhimals,  they  woulcl 
'fiff^voiunie,  and  prove  hot  only  entertaining  but  m- 


ftrufting 


The  orrpR 

an4  greatly  refemblcs 


Th's  creature  alfo  is  amphibious, 


beaver,  but  is  very  ditftrcnt 

from 


CARVJER's  TRAVELS.  ^g, 

from^  in  many  refpe'^s,  tts  hodjr  Is  nearly  a,  lonjt 
ai  a  beaver's  but  confi4erably  lefs  in  all  hs  part^.  Thf 
musr^le,  eye3,.aiKl  the  form  of  the  he  J  are  nearly 
^le-famc,  bnt  the  teeth  arc  very  unlike,  for  the  ottcj 
nr^uts^the  W  incifors  or  nippers  Uut  a  benv«.  hasT 
mftead  of  theFc,  all  his  teeth,  without  an^  Tn^^n 
are  ^.apeU  like  tl.,ft  of  adog^of    .olf.  t^ 

foofthc  former  u»,pot  half  fo  long,  a*  that  belonging 
S  !l  ^.'^  *='■»  "^''  ''  ^h=  colo^of  it  exaaiy  the  fame! 
Sor  the  ha,r  of  an  otter  und.r'  the"  neck;^  ftomach  md 
belly,  i^more  greyi/h  than'  that  of  a  beaver,  and  n 
m.r^y  other  r^fped,  it  like^ife  varies.  tS  InLZ 
which,  met  with  in.  moft  parts  of  the  wor  d,  huTt 
much  greater  nu*nbers  ir.  North  America,  is  ve^* 
mifchicvons,  and  when  he  is  clofdy  purfued  will  nrl 
*nly  attack  dcgs  but  men;  '    P"""ea,  will  npj; 

It.  gerierall)?  feeds  upon  fifli;  efpcciaHy  in  the  fum 
«^er,but.m-thfe  winter  is  contented  with  the  bar[  of 
trees,   or'  thfc  pr-odute  of  the  fields      L  Znft  V 
taftes  and  fi^dls'  of  BO.,  and  is  nt ^Iro^^  l^^, 

thb  fame  manner;  In  flwpe  ai,d  fize  it  refemb  e-  u 
pole  cat,  bemg  eciually  long  and  flender.  lutmU 
black^;r  than  that  of  an  otter  or  nlm^ft  ^m  li, 
creatur.;  u  as  black- as  r.'^/i^^^t;:^:^ 
expre^xon  n  America,  it  iV  not  how  vfr  fo^  valu^fe* 
t^ou^h  thi.  greatly  depends-  on  the ,  reafon  in  wSS 
It  IS  taken..  Its  tail  iv  round  like  that  of  a  fi  ak^  t*  • 
gj^mngteif]  towards  the  end,  andi^em^^^,^ 
out  hair.  An  agreeable  mu&y^ceftt  exhales  Ln  i^ 
body -and  ,t.s  met  with  n^r  ?he  lources  of  rivcroS 
whole  banks  it  chie%  li^.-  .  «=>  oi  nvcrs,  off 


it>i? 


THE  Eagl 


Hawk,  the 


he  Hawk, 
Whippei'wilj, 


the  Night  Hawk^  the'  F.-fl, 
the  Raven;  tlic  Crow,  the 

Owl, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


■  10 

""       140 

US      ■■■■ 


M 

2.0 


1.25 


1.8 


U    III  1.6 


y] 


<^ 


/2 


% 


^1 


^1 


-<^ 


<?;^^ 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


^ 


\ 


(V 


:\ 


\ 


« 


6^ 


» 


"^ 


fc 
^ 

f 


.  ^o 


\ 


» 


268 


carVeH's  travels^ 


Owl,  Parrots,  tlie  Pelican,  die  Grane^  the  Stork,  the 
Cormorant,  the  Heron,  the  SvrJini,  the  Gbofc,  Duckiy, 
Teal,  the  I^on,  the  Water  ilcn,' the  Turkey,  the 
Heath  Cock;  -the  Partridge,  the  QmWy  Pigeons,,  the 
Snipe,  Larks,  the  Wood|)ecker,  the  Uuo^od,  xhe  Blue 
Jay,  the  SwaHow,  t^e  Wakon  BiM,^thi6'' Black  Bird, 
the  Red  BIpc!,  theThnilh,  the?Whetfaw,  the  Night- 
ingaJe,  the  King  Bird,  the  Rbbin,  th«  Wren]  and  tl\c 


ilijIJ 


;^iU 


Humming  Bird. 

The  EAGLE.  TItere  arc  orljr  two'fflittr  of  eagles 
in  thefe  parts,  the  bald  and  the  greyj  whicft'are  much 
t^kfanie  in  lue,  and  fimilar  to  the  Ih^po  of  tkofe  of 
ether  countries.  .    '  '      '      **--*  3r 

"iTic  NIGHT  HAWK.  Tltis  bird-Is  of  the  hawk 
fpecles,  its  bill  heing  crooked,  its  wings  rformed  for 
Ivviftnefs,  audits  fliape  nearly  like  that  of 'the  com- 
mon hawk  5  but  in  fize  it  is  confiderably  lefs,  and  in 
tolor  rather  darker,  it  is.fcarcely  ever  *feexV  but  in 
the  evening,  when  at  the  approach  of  tjvUight,  it  flies 
about,  aiul  darts  itfelf  in  wantortlgaAiboliat  the  head 
of  the  belated  traveller.  Before  a  thundei*  ihower  thefe 
birds  arc  ften  at  an  amazing  height  in  tiie  air  aiTem- 
bled  together  in  great  jiumbers,  as'  fwallow&  are  obferv- 
cd  to  do  on  the  fame  occafion. 

Tlie  WHFPPERWILL,  or,  as  it  is  termed  by  the  In- 
dians,  the  Muckawifs.  This  extraordinary  bird  is  fome- 
what  like  the  laft  mentioned  in  its  fhape  and  color, 
only  it  has  feme  Wrhififh  ftripes  acrofs  the  wings, 
andf  like  that  is  feldom  ever  feen  till  after  i'unfet.  It 
alfo  is  never  met  with  but  during  the  fpring  and  fum- 
jner  months.  As  foon  as  the  Indians  are  informed 
by  its  notes  o£  its  return,  they  conclude  that  the  froft 
is  entifely  gone,  in  which  they  are  feldom  deceived ; 
and  on  receiving  this  affurance  of  milder  weather,  be- 
gia  to  fow  their  corn.  It  acquires  its  name  by  the  noife 
Ft  makes,  which  to  the  people  of  the  colonic  ■  founds 
like  the  name  they  give  it,  Whippei-will :  to  an  In- 
diali  car,  MUckawifs.  'Vhc  words,  it  is  true,  are 
"      _ '  not 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS,' 


26^ 


O.  the  Blue 


not  exaaiy  a)ike,  but  i^carly  in  this  manner  they  Arike 

the  unagiG^tiQu  of  each  ;  and  the  circumftauce'is  a 

proof  that  the  fanie  founds,  if  they  are  not  "rendbrea 

certain by,b.ejflgrc4ucfi4  to, the  rufes  of  ortliosraphy. 

might  convey  different  ideas  to  difterent  people.     A« 

ioon  as  night  comes  on,  thefe  birds  wiU  place  them- 

lelves  on  the  fences,  flumps,  or  ftones  that  lie  near 

lome  houfe,  and  repeat  their  melancholy  notes  witli- 

out  any  variation  till  midnight..    The  Indian^  ana. 

iome  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  back  fettiements,  think 

It  this  bird  perches  upon  any  houfe,  that  it  betokens  • 

lome  miiliap  to  the  inhabitants  of  it. - 

The  FISH  HAWX  greatly  reiemWes  the  latter  •  in 
Jt^hape,  and  i-eceives  his  name  from  his  food,  which 
w  generally  fiih  j  it  ikims  over  the  lakes  and  rfvers 
and  fomet.mesfeemstoUe  expanded  on  the  water,  as 
he  hovers  fo  clofe  to  it,  and  having  by  fome  attradlive  ' 
power  drawn  the  fifli  within  its  reag Vdarts  fudden- - 
ly  upon  them.-.  The   charm  it  makes  ufe.^fii fuppof- 
ed  to  be  an  oil  contained  in  a  f^all  bag  in .  the  bodv,  . 
and  vvhich  nature  Jus  by  fomeiTTeans  or  other,,  fuppli- 
ed  him  with  the  power  of  uOjtag  .for  this  purppfe.- 
It  i.*  however -very  certain  that  ^nv  bait  touched   with  ■ 
a  dropoftlie  oil  coHeaed  from  this  bird,  is  an  iri-efift- 
S^".tt!c^:^^^  ^^.4ik^  i»%^  the  angjer 

on  the  banks  ^of  the  M.ffiappi  js  Qitremelyb^auUfal  in  - 
Its  plumage,  being  of  a  fine  deep.  yelloWTgold  col^- 
or,  pleafmgly  (haded  and  fpottcd,  '^       • 

Iw%.wlHch  if-xsJled  l)y  JatJtxer llinipiVa  pelkan, 
tlKit   u- about. tli«.fi;^e  of  ikf'^utomn  craife,?;,' 


inches -Ion, 

breadtliit'cj?ntinuqsi 
rouac' 


270 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


DUCKS.  Araong  a  variety  of  wild  ducks,  the 
different  fpecics  of  which  amount  to  upwards  of  twen- 
ty, 1  fliall  confine  my  defcription  to'  one  fort,  that  is, 
the  wood  duck,  or,  as  the  French  term  it.  Canard 
liranchus.  This  fowl  receives  its  name  from  its  fre- 
quenting the  woods  and  perching  on  the  branches  of 
trees,  which  no  othef  kind  of  water  fowl  (a  charader- 
iftic  that  this  ftill  prefcrves)  is  known  to  do.  It  is 
nearly  of  a  llze  with  other  ducks  ;  its  plumage  li 
beautifully  variegated,  and  very  brilliant.  The  fleflx 
of  it  alfo,  as  it  feeds  but  little  on  fifh,  is  finely  flavour- 
e:d,  and  much  fui>erior  to  any  other  fort. 

The  TEAL.  1  have  already  remarked  in  my  jour- 
nal, that  the  teal  found  on  the  Fox  River  and  the 
'head  branches  of  the  Miflifilppi,  are  perhaps  not  to 
be  equalled  for  the  fatnefs  and  delicacy  of  their  flefti 
by  any  other  in  the  world.  In  color,  fhape,  and 
liz^  they  are  very  httle  difterent  from  thofe  found  in 
other  countries.    , 

'  The  LOON  is  a  water  fowl,  fomewhat.  lefs  than  a 
teal,  and  is  a  fpecies  of  the  dobcbtrk.  Its  wings  are 
lliort,  and  it£  legs  and  feet  large  -oportion  to  the 

body  J  the  color  of  it  is  a  dar..       own,  nearly  ap- 
proaching to  black  ;  and  as  it  feeds  only  on  fifh,  the 
flefli  of  it  is  very  ill  flavoured.  Thefe  birds  are  exceed- 
,ingly  nunbic  and  expert  at  diving,  fo  that  it  is  almofl 
inqpofilble  fol-  one  perfon  to  ilioot  them,  as  they  will 
iie!xt6roufly  avoid  the  fhot  by  diving  before  they  reach 
them  i  fo  that  it  requires  three  perfons  to  kill  one  of 
them,  and  this  can  only  be  done  the  moment  it  raifes 
its  head  out  of  the  water  as  it  returns  to  th6  furface 
after  diving.     It  however  only  repays    the   trouble 
t^ken  to  obtain  it,  by  the  excellent  ffiort  it  aflfords. 
•^/  Thc'fARTRlDGE.    The^e  are  three  forts  of  par- 
ftidges  here,  the  browii,  th^  red,  and  the  Hack,  the 
'firft  of  ^  which  is  *Woft  eftcemed.     Tliey  zK  all  much 
'larger' than  the  European  partridges,  being  ttcarly  the 
^iiH^ptilka  plKaTam^,  thekixead  andejfis  arc  alfo 


CARVER',  TRAVELS.  j^, 

the  twilight  of  the  evenL  ^^  "  "'°'"'"S  and  in 

when  thfy  art  .^fii;  fhot  ^*  '^"""S  the  wmta-  xnonths. 

The  WOOD  PIGEON  is  irearlv  th.  r 

no,TprV;.r,       r  ^  "  fuppofed  to  make  a  greater 

tlJv'  ^^^^-  •^^^-     '^^'^  ^'^'^  '»  ^aped  nearly  like 

heEiu^pean  jay,  only  that  its  tail  is  loLer      (>,  th. 

top  of  Its  head  s  a  rr^n-  ^.f  ki       r  »""Scr.     un  the 

™ftd  or  let  J„»ra,  pTcafui   VT''"''   "''^''   » 
neck  behind,  and  the  Sck.fenf  r^.^f  ">= 

Jn  .«  J  ^  "^'"S  are  barred  acrofs  with  black 

m  an  elegant  manner.     Upon  the  whole  thlT  bird  r^n 

The  WAKON  BIRD-  a«  -v  k  --^-  •  ^_  •„     - 
otparadile.     The  name  they  haVe  give*!  it   i«'exn«.r 
A«v.  ior  tf ,  the  wafcon  bird  being  in  tbei,  Imf^m^ 
m  tike 


27i 


CARVER»s    TRAVELS. 


the  bird  of  tlie  Great  Spirit.  It  is  nearly  the  fiz:  of 
a  fwullow,  of  a  brown  color,  Ihaded  about  the  nock 
with  a  bright  green ;  the  wings  are  of  »i  darker  brown 
than  the  body;  its  tail  is  compofcd  of  four  or  five 
feathers,  which  are  three  times  as  long  as  its  body, 
and  which  are  beautifully  fhaJed  with  green  and  pur- 
ple. It  carries  this  fine  length  of  plumage  in  •  the  liime 
manner  as  a  psacock  does,  but  it  is  not;  known  wheth- 
er it  ever  raifes  it  into  the  ere£t  polition  that  birds 
fometimas  do^s.  I  never  faw  any  of  thefe  birds  in  the 
colonies,  but  the  Naudowefli^  Indiana  caught  feveval 
of  them  when  I  was  in  their  country,  and  feemad  to 
treat  them  as  if  they  were  of  a  iup^rior  rank  to  any 
other  of  the  feathered  race.  * 

The  BLACK  BIRDi  There  are  three  forts  of 
birds  in  North  America  that  bear  this  i^ajns ;  the  firft 
is  •  the  com;non,  oi  as  it  is  there  termed,  the  crow 
bVack  bird,  which  is  quite  black,  and  of  the  fame  fize 
and  Ihape  of  thofe  in  Europe,  bat  it  has  not  that  mel- 
ody jn  in  its  notes  which  they  have.  In  the  month  of 
September  this  fort  lly  in  large  flights,-  and  do  great 
mifchief  to  the  Indian  Corn,  which  is  at  that  time 
juft  ripe.  The  fecond  fort  is  the  red*\ving,  which  is 
rather  fmaller  than  the  firft  fpecies,  but  like  that  it  is 
black  all  over  its  body,  except  on  the  lower  rim  of 
the  wings,  where  it  is  of  a  fine,  bright,  full  fcarlet.  It 
builds  its  neft,  and  chiefly  reforts  among  the  fmall 
buflxes  that  grow  in  meadows  and  low,  fvvampy  plac- 
es. '  It  whifWes  a  few  notes,  but  is  ncA  equal  in 
its  fong  to  the  European  black  bird.  The  third:  fort  is 
of  the  iiime  fize  as  the  latter,  and  is  jet  black  like 
that  but  all  the  upper  part  of  the  wing,  juft  below  the 
back,  is  of  a  fine  clear  white  i  as  if  nature  intended  to 
diyerfify  the  fpecies,  and.  to  atone  for  the  w,ant  of  a 
rnciouious  pipe  uy  iii»*  i^caut^  oi  us  piuuii^c  j  ^^• 
this  alfo  is  deficient  in  its  mufical  powers.  The 
^)€aks  of  every,  fo^  are  of  a  fujl  yellaw,  and  the  ft 
loales  gf  each  of  a  rufty  ^^k  like  the  European. 

>4f     '  '-  _  '^^' 


CARVER'S  'THAVEIJ3. 


K3 


Tl.e  RED  BIRD  ,s  about  the  fize  of  n  fparrou-, 
but  ^vith  a  long  tail,  and  is  all  over  of  a  bright  verl 
mi  hon  color,  I  faw  many  of  tUem  about  the  Ottawaw 
J.akcs,  but  I  could  not  learn  that  they  Tunc.  I  alfo 
ohfer^'cd  m  fome  oUier  parts  a  bird  of  much  the 
lame  make,  that  was  entirely  of  a  fine  vellow 

m  WHE'lTiAW  is  o/the  cuckoo. kind,  bein. 
hke  that,  a  fohtary  bird,  and  fcarcely  ever  feen.  In 
the  fummer  months  it  is  heard  in  the  groves,  where 

It  makes  a  noife  like  the  filing  of  a  faw,    from  whkh 
It  receives  its  name.  :        ' 

TheKINGMRDisIikeafwallow,  and  feems  t6' 
he  of  the  W  ipeces  as  the  black  martin  6r  fwift. 
I  is  called  the  King  Bird  becaufe  it  is  able  to  mafter 
almoft  every  bird  that  flies.  I  have  often  feen  it  brin? 
down  a  hawk.  «» 

The  HUMMING  BIRD.  This  beautiful  bir^? 
which  ,s  thefmalleft  of  the  feathered  inhabitants  of 
the  a.r,^is  about  the  third  part  of  the  fee  of  a  ^vrm' 
and  IS  fhapcd  extr'cmcly  h'ke  it.  Its  legs,  which  ar^ 
about  an  inch  long,  api^ear  like  tWo  fmall  needled' 
and  Its  body  is  proportionable  to  them.  But  its  plumi' 
age  exceeds   defcription.     On  its  head  it  has  a  fmall 

!f  ^  u  V'"l'.  ^'T^  ^^^^^  »    *^^  ^'^""^  of  it  is  red, 
the  belly  white,  the  back,  wings,  and  tail  of  the  fmcft 
pa  e  green ;    and   fmall  fpecks  of  gold  are  fcatteredf 
with  inexprefiible  grace  over  the  whole  ;  befides  this, 
an  almoft  imperceptible  down  foftens  the  colors,     and 
produces  the  moft   pleafing  fhades.      With  its   billj 
which  :s  of  the  fame  diminutive  fize  as  the  other  mrts  of 
Its  body,  It  extrafts  from  the  flowers  a  moifture  which 
is  Its  noiinfliment ;  over  thefe  it  hovers  like  a  bee,  but 
2)ever   lights  on  them,    moving  at  the  fame  time  its 
wings  with  fuch  velocity  that  the  motion  of  them  is 
imperceptible;    notwithftandin?  whJ  h    tl..u  ^.u.  „ 
munmmg  nolle,  trom  wh^.nce  i"t  receives  its  Wnrer  " 


ejf 


274'. 


CARVER'S   TRAVELS. 


Of  ras  FISH£S  iVHicH  are  found   in  the 
JVateas  oh ^  the  MismsiPFi. 

I  hnv€  already  given  a  dcfcriptioti  of  tl^e  that  are 
taken  in  the  great  lakes^  .  .  v  • , 

The  Sturgponi  the  Pout  or  Cat  Fifli^  the  Pfke,  the 
Carpi  and  the  Chub; 

The  STURGEON.     The  frefh>  >yater  ilurgeon  is 
fhaped  in  iH)  other  refpcft  like  thofe  taken  near  the 
fea,   ojxcept  in  the  formation  of  its   head   and  tail ; 
which  are  fafliioned  in  the  fame  mtmaer^   but  the  bo- 
6.^  is  not  (6  angulated,.  nor  are  thare  fo  many  horny 
fcales  about  it  as- on  the  latter.      Its  length  is  generally 
about  two  fect^  and-  a-  half  or  three  feet  long,  but 
in  circumference  not  proportionable,  being  a  flender 
fiih.     The  fleHi  is  exceedingly^  delicate  and  finely  11a-- 
voured}  I  caught  fome  in  the  head  waters  of  the  riv- 
er St.  Croix  that  far'  exceeded-  trout.    The  manner 
of  taking  them  is  by  watching  them  as  they  lie  undex* 
the  banks  in  z.\  clear  flreami    and  dartii^g  at  ihem 
^th  a  fifh-fpear  ifor  they  will  not  take  a  bait.    There 
is  alib  in  the  Miflifippt,  and  there  are  onI)~,  another  fort 
than  the.fpecies  I  have-  defcribcd-,    which  is  fimilar  to 
it  in  every  re^eft,  except  th^  the  upper  jaw  extends 
fourteen   or    fifteen  indies  beyond  the  under;    this 
extenfive  jaw,  which^s  ofa^griftly  lubftance,    is  three 
inches  and  a  half  broad^  andcontinues  of  that  breadtii, 
fomewhat  in  the  Ihape  of  an- oar,  to   the  end,  which 
is  flat.     Thjs  flefhiof  this  ii/h,  however,  is  not  to  be 
comparediwith  the   other  fort,    and  is  not  fo  much 
efteemed'even  by  the  Indians. 

^  The-.  CAT  FISH.  This-  fihi  is  about  eighteen 
inches  long  ;  of  a  brownilh  color,  and  without  Icales. 
It  has  a  large  round   head,    from  whence  it  receives 


ifc     mi-rtA 


.y,(v^ 


tiiCii    ~~'^'-- 


aA.. 


four  fVrong,  Iharp  horns,  about  two  inches  long.     Its 
fins  are  alfo  very  bony,  and  ftrong,    and  without  great 


care 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  ^f 

care  will  pierce  the  hands , of  thofc  .who  take  them. 
It  jeighs  commonly  about  five  or  fix  pounds  ;  the 
«eih  of  It  IS  exc.€fl]vcly  .^t  and  lufcjous,  and  greatly 
reltmbles  that.of  an  ell  in  its  flavour. 

The  CARP  and   CHUB  ^re    muck  the  fame  m 
,tiiole  m  England,  and  nearly  about  the  fame  fizQ. 


^i- 


■OF  SERP^NTH. 


_The  Rattle  Snake,  4he  Long  Black  Snake,  the 
Wall  or  Houfe  Adder,  the  Striped, or  Garter  Snake, 
the  Water  Snake,  the  HiflingSn^ke,  the  Green  Snake* 
.the  fhorntari  Snake,  the  ,%ckled  Sn^ke,  the  Rinjj 
ASnake,  the  Two-headed  Snake. 

The  RATfLE  SNAKJ^.      There   appears  to  be 
two    fpecies  of  this  reptile }    one  of  ,which  is  com^ 
monly  termed -the  Black,  and  t;he  other  the  YeUowj 
and  of  thefc  the  latter  is  generally  confidered  as  the 
^rgeft;      At  their   full  growth  they  su-e  .upwards  o£ 
five  fcct  long,  and  the  middle  part  of  the  body,  at 
which  It  IS  of  the  greateft  bulk,  meafures  about  nine 
inches  round,    from  that  part  it  gradually  decreafes 
,both  towards  the   head  juid  the  tail.     The  jieck  is 
proportiQBably  very  fmall,   and  the  head  broad  and 
deprefletl       Thde   are  of  a  light  brown  color,  the 
ins  e*  the  eye  red,  and  all  the  upper  part  of  the  body 
brot^,   n^ixed  with  a  ruddy  yellow,  and  chequered 
witfi 'mwy  regular  lines  <rf  a  deep  black,  Rradually 
ihadmg't<^wards  a  gold  color,     in  ihor.t,  the  whole  of 
this  dangerous  reptile  is  very  beautiftil,  and  could  it 
be  viewed  with  Ids  terror,  fiich  a  variegated  arrange 
mtnt  of  colors  would  be   extremely    pleafing.      But 
thefe  are  only  to  be  feen  in  their  higheft  perfeaion 
at  the  time  this  creature  is  animated  by  rei'entment : 
incn   e-vqry  tint  rufiits  from  its  iubcutaneous  reeefs; 
and  gives  the  furface  of  the  ikin  a  deeper  llain.     The 
belly  IS  of  a  ynlUh  blue,  which  grows  fuller  as  it  am 
proaches  the  fides,  and  is  at  length  intermixed  with 


'*7<5 


CARVERS  TRAVELb. 


the  color  of  the  upper  part.  The  rattle  at  its  tall, 
fiom  which  it  receives  its  name,  is  compofed  of  a 
firm,  dry,  cUlous,  or  horny  fubftance  of  a  light  brown, 
and  confifts  of  a  number  of  cells  which  articulate  one 
within  another,  like  joints  ;  and  which  increafe  eve- 
ry year,  and  make  known  the  age  of  the  creature. 
Thcfe  articulations  being  very  loofe,  the  included 
points  ftrlke  againft  the  inner  furface  of  the  concave 
parts  or  rings  into  which  they  are  admitted,  and  as 
thefnake  vibrates,  or  flrakes  its  tail,  makes. a  rattling 
noife.  This  alarm  is  always  given  when  it  is  appre- 
hcnfive  of  danger  ;  and  in  an  inftant  after  forms  itfclf 
mto  a  fpiral  wreath,  in  the  centre  of  which  appear 
the  head  ereft,  and  breathing  forth  vengeance ,  againft 
cithei'  man  or  beaft  that  ihall  dsjre  to  come  near  it. 
ki  this  attitude  l>e  awaits  the  approach  of  his  ene- 
mies, rattling  his  tail  as  he  (ces  or  hears  them  coming 
on.  By  this  timely ,  intimation,  which  heaven  feems 
to^  have  provided  as  a  means  to  ccunteraft  the  mif- 
chitj^  this  Venomous  reptile  would  otherwife  be  the 
perjietrator  of,  the  unwary  traveller  is  apprifed'  of  his 
danger^  and  has  an  opportunity  of  avoiding  it.  It 
is  how-ever  to  be  obferved,  that  it  never  aits  offen- 
fively  ^  it  neither  purines  nor  flies  from  any  thing 
that  aj^roaches  it,  but  lies  in  tlie  pofition  delcribed, 
rattling  his  tail,  as  if  reluctant  *tp  hurt.  The  tectli 
with  which  this  fcrpent  effe<^ts  his  poifonous  purpo- 
fes  arc  not  thofe  he  makes  ufe  of  on  ordinjiry  oqoa- 
lions,  th«y  are  only  two  in,  number,  very  fmall  ^id 
iliarp  pointed,  and  fixed  ir>  a  finewy  fubftance  that 
lies  near  the  extremity  of  the  upper  jaw,  refembling 
the  claws  of  a  cat  j  at  the  root  of  each  of  thefe,  might 
be  extended,  £ontra>5J:ed,  or  entirely  hidden,  as  need 
requires,  are  two  fmall  bladders  whio^i  nature  has  fo 


,^^A-...a^.i 


ixm      x'.t-- 


1%. 


ifViMt     an 


^^(tr 


maide  by  the  teeth,  a  drop  of  a  grecnifli,  poifonous  li- 
quid i  enters .  the  wcmnd,  and  taints  with  its  deftruc- 
tive  quality  the  wlu)le  mafs  of  blop4f     JLn  a;:noment 

:.:.i  the 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  277. 

the  unfortunate  viftim  of  its  wrath  feels  a  chilly  trc 
mor  run  through  all  his  frame  ;  a  fwclling  immedi- 
ately beg.ns  on  the  fpot  xvhere  the  teeth  had  entered, 
wh.chlpreads  by' degrees  over  the  whole  body,  and 
produces  on  every  part  of  the  ikin  the  varielrated 
hue  ofthe  inake.  The  bite  of  this  reptile  is  mo're  or 
IcCs  venomous  according  to  the  fcafon  of  the  year 
m  which  ,t  ,s  given.  In  the  dog  days,  it  often  proves 
"mo^flhTT^'  -lefpeciallyff  tiL  wound  isTdc 
among  the  fmews.   fituated  in  the  back  part  of  the- 

^LfaW^  'r'\  'r  ^'^^'^  '^'^^>  i^ -tumn,  or 
aim  api^ication  of  proper  remedies  j  and  thefe  Pro- 
tlebnake  Plantam,  an  approved  antidote  to  the  poi- 
ever    hey  are  to  be  met  with.     There  are  likewife 

Its  bite.  A  decoftion  is  made  of  the  buds  or  bark 
of  the  wlutc  aili,  taken  internally,  prevent  ks  per- 
n.c.ous  eftecb  Salt  is  a  newl/ diibovered  emfdT 
and  if  apphed  immediately  to  the  part,  or  the  wound 
be  waflxed  w.th  brine,  a  cure  might  be  affizred  The 
fat  of  the  regile  alfo  rubbed  on  it,  is  frequentt  foLd 
to  be  very  eiEcacious.     But  though  the  lives  of  the 

tXiele,  and  their  liealth  in  fon.e  degree  4ftored  r  - 
they  annuaUy  experience  .  flight  return  of  the  tad: 
^1  fymptoms  about  the  time  they  received  the  inftl 
ation  However  remarkable  it  may  appear,  it  i  cel 
tam,  that  though  the  venom  of  tliis  c^eatui  affeas 
^^  a  greater  or  lefs  degree,  all  animated  naLrf  tie 
JrS;;t^lS!?^°-°  ^^-"^e,  -that  amS:?^' 

often  obferved,  and  I  can  confirm  the  obf™ion 
that  the  Rattle  Snake  is  charmed  with  any  Sr^nif 

oas 


278 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS, 


ous  founds,  whether  vocal  or  inftnimental }  I  have 
many  times  fccn  them,  even  when  they  have  been 
enraged,  place  thcmfelves  in  a  Ilftening  [wfture,  and 
continue  immoveably  attentive  and  fulceptible  of  de- 
light all  the  time  the  mufic  has  lafted.  I  ihould  have 
remarked,  that  when  the  Rattle  Snake  bites,  it  drops 
its  under  jaw,  and  holding  the  upper  jaw  ereft,  throws 
itfelf  in  a  curve  line>  with  great  force,  and  as  quick 
a.s  lightning,  on  the  objeft  of  its  refentment.  In  a 
moment  after,  it  returns  again  to  its  dcfenllve  pofturc 
iiaving  difengaged  its  teeth  from  the  wound  with 
great  celerity,,  by  means  of  the  pofition  in  which  it 
had  placed  its  head  when  it  made  the  attack.  It 
never  extends  itfelf  to  a  greater  diftance  than  half  its 
length  will  reach,  and  though  it  fometimes  repeats 
the  blow  two  or  three  tin  ss,  it  as  often  returns  with 
a  fudden  rebound  to  its  former  ftate.  The  Black 
Rattle  Snake  differs  in  no  other  refpe<n:  from  the 
Yellow,  than  in  being  rather  fmaller,  and  in  the  va- 
riegation of  its  colors,  which  are  exadlly  reverfed  ; 
one  is  black  Avhere  the  other  is  yellow,  and  vice  verla. 
They  are  equally  venomous.  It  is  not  known  how 
thefe  creatures  engender  j  I  have  often  found  the 
eggs  of  fcvcral  other  fpecies  of  the  fnake,  but  notwith- 
ilanding  no  one  has  taken  more  pains  to  acquire  a 
perfeft  knowledge  of  every  propertv  of  thefe,  reptiles 
than  myfelf,  I  never  could  difcover  the  manner  in 
which  they  bring  forth  their  young.  I  once  killed  a 
female  that  had  fevcnty  young  ones  in  its  belly,  Dut 
thefe  were  perfedUy  formed,  and  I  faw  them  juft  be- 
fore return  to  the  mouth  of  their  mother,  as  a  place 
of  fecurity,  on  my  approach.  The  gall  of  this  fer- 
pent,  mixed  with  chalk,  is  formed  into  little  balls, 
and  exported  from  America,  for  medical  purpofes. 
Thev  are  of  the  nature  of  Gafcoicn's  powders,  and 
an  excellent  remedy  for  complaints  incident  to  chil- 
dren.    The  fielh  of  the  fnake  alfo  dried,  and  made 

into 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  4- 

into  brotJi,  is  much  more  nutritive  than  tluit  of  vi- 
P*^fp»  ^"'L\?>'  »-^^l»^''^'^'"s  'V^ainft  confumptions. 

The  LONG  BLACK  SNAKE.     Thefe  are  alfo  of 
two  forts,  both  of  which  are  exaaiy  fimilar  in  fhape 
and  hze,  only  the  belly  of  one  is  a  light  red,  the  oth- 
er a  fault  blue  }  all  the  upper  parts  of  their  bodies 
are  black  and  Icaly.     They  arc  in  general  fix>m  fix  to 
eight  feet  ni  length,  and  carry  their  heads,  as  they 
crawl  along,  about  a  foot  and  an  half  from  the  ground. 
1  hey  eafily  chmb  the  higheft  trees  in  purfuit  of  birds 
andfqmrrds,  which  are  their  chief  food  ;  and  thefe, 
a  IS  raid,  they  rharm  by  their  looks,  and  render  in- 
capable of  cfcaping  from  them.     Their  appearance 
carries  terror  with  it  to  thofe  who  are  unacquainted 
with  tucir  mability  to  hurt,    but  they  are  pcrfeaiy  in- 
ottcnfive  and  free  from  venom. 
The  STRIPED  or  GARTER  SNAKE  is  exa^- 

^Ti     ?i?!n'.^«^!,^P*'''"  ^°""^  '»  o'^^er  climates. 
'<;  ^^" .WATER  SNAKE  is  much   like  the  Rut,!e 
bnake  in  fhape  and  fize,  but  is  not  end.>vved  with  t]>c 
lainf  venomous  powers,  being,  quiie  harmlefs. 
The  HhSSING  SNAKE  I  hav<r  alreadv  particu- 

Lake  Erfr  ''^''"  ^  ^^'^''^'  '"  ""^  •'''""^"^'  ^^ 

The  GREEN  SNAKE  i.  about  a  foot  and  .n  Iialf 
Jong,  and  m  color  fo  nev^r  to  grafs  and  herbs,  that  it 
cannot  be  difcovered  as  it  lies  on  the  ground  :  haiv 
p:ly,  however,  it  is  free  from  -  om,  othenvife  it 
would  do  an  infinite  deal  of  mifchitf,  as  tliofe  wha 
pals  through  the  meadows,  not  being  able  to  perceive 
It,  are  deprived  of  the  power  of  avoiding  it. 

The  THORN-TAIL  SNAKE.      This  reptile  is 
ound  in  many  parts  of  America,  but  it  is  verv  icldom 
to  be  feen.     It  ,s  of  a  middle  fize,  and  receives  its 
name  rrnrn  n  t1inrn_i;i^o  ^.,«.  :_  z^.  ^..-.^       •  t       .... 

IS  faid  to  rtiflia  a  mortal  wornd. 
''^'-  SPECKLED  SNAKE  is  an  aqueous  rentll. 


about  two  feet  and  an  half 


ia  length,  but  without' 


venoiii. 


28o 


CARVER'S   T'RA\T<LS. 


vendm.  Its  fl<in,  which  is  brown  and  white,  witlv 
fome  Ipots  of  yellow  in  it,  is  ufed  by  the  Americans 
as  a  cover  for  the  handles  of  whips,  and  it  renders 
them  very  pleafing  to  the  fight. 

The  RING  SNAKE  is  about  twelve  melies  long  ; 
the  body  of  it  is  entirely  blacJf,  except  a  yellow  ring 
which  it  has  about  iis  neck,  and  which  appears  like 
a  narrow  piece  of  riband  tied  rounds  it.  This  odd 
reptile  is  frequently  found  in  the  bark  of  trees  and 
among  old  logsi. 

The  TWO-HEADED  SNAKE.  The  only  fnakc 
of  this  kind  tl^at  was  ever  feen  in  America,  was  found 
about  the  year  1762,  near  Lake  Champlain,  by  Mr. 
Park,  a  gentleman  of  New-England,  and  made  a-prel- 
ent  to  Lord  Amherft.  It  was  about  a  foot  long,  and 
in  fhapelike  the  common  fnake,  but  it  was  furnilhcd 
with  two  heads  exactly  fimilar,  which  united  at  the 
neck.  "Whether  this  was  a  dirtin£l  fpecies  of  fnakes, 
and  was  able  to  propagate  its  Hkcncfs,  or  whether  it 
was  an  accidental  formation,  I  know  not. 

The  TORTOISE  or  LAND  TURTLE.  The 
fliape  of  this  creature  is  fo  well  known  that  jt  is  un- 
necelfary  to  defcribe  it.  There  are  fcven  or  eight 
forts  of  them  in  America,  fome  of  whicn  are  beauti- 
fully variegated,  even  beyond  defcription.  Tiie  iliells 
of  many  have  fpots  of  red,  green,  and  yellow  in  them, 
and  the  chequer  work,  is  compofed  of  fmall  fquarcs 
Curioufly  diipofcd.  The  moft  beautiful  fort  of  thele 
creatures  are  the  fmallcil,  and  the  bite  of  them  is  faid 
to  be  venomous. 

LIZARDS,  '^r. 

Though  there  are  numerous  kinds  of  this  clafs  of 
the  animal  creation,  in  the  country  I  treat  of,  I  Ihall 
only  take  notice  ot  two  ot  them  5  which  are  termed 
the  Swift  and  Slow  Lizard. 

The  SWIFT  LIZARD  is  about  fix  inches  long, 
and  has  four  legs  and  a  tail.     Its  body,  which  is  blue, 

is 


CARVER'S  TRA\TIIS.  ^^r 

js  prettily  ftdped  wkh  dark  lines  fl.aded  with  vel- 
low  ;  but  the  end  of  the  tail  is  totally  blue.  I  i  fo 
remarkably  ag.Ie,  that  in  an  inftant  it  is  out  of  filht 

eye,  fothat  it  nnght  more  juflly  be  fkid  to  v-ini/K 
han  to  run  away.     This  fpecie/are  fuppof  d    o  pot 

'ever  a^  V^  ""T'  '^f  ^^^  "^^  ^^g^^-'  -   thcr 
rather  rn.rj^°"^  '^'''  approach  them,  choofnJ 

J.  he  SLOW  LlZARl>is  of  the  fame  fhape  as  the 
hwift,  but  Its  color  is  brown  •  it   i       nr^l!;       r 
oppor..e  difpoftion,  being  au'o  etL-  TZ^  f„  S 

tlwt  thefe  hzarJs  are  mremely  brittle,  and  will  break 
off  near  the  tail  as  eafily  as  an  icicle. 

Among  the  reptiles  of  North-America,  there  is  a- 

f|.ec.es  of  the  toad,  termed  the  TREE  TOAD    »l,ih 

;?  nearly  of  the  fame  Ihape  as  the  comm™  forr  It 

reef  ftiTwnr?  ^«".^'T'-     ''  '•'  "<■-"  ^-1^ 

of  he  tr<^  'to  ?j    t  "T''' ''''"  "  '■'^'■^"'''^  *^  ^o"o'- 

.INS£CTS. 

Para.re,:YTa"rtu5f f  l!1  t^  f^SieT'o'-f  '«,ef  a*^"? 
-umerou.  »d  diverged  that  eCa' f^fcinrdeSp! 

tioh 


i82 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


tlon  of  tl-re  whole  of  them  would  fill  a  volume ;  I 
Jhall  therefore  confine  myfelf  to  a  few,  which  I  be- 
lieve are  almoll:  peculiar  to  this  country ;  the  Silk 
Worm,  the  Tobacco  Worm,  the  Bee,  the  Lightning 
13u£T,  the  Water  Bug,  and  the  Horned  Bug. 

the  SILK  WORM  is  nearly  the  fame  as  thofe  of 
France  and  Italy,  but  will  not  produce  the  fame  quan- 
tity of  filk. 

The  TOBACCO  WORM  is  a  caterpillar  of  the 
fize  and  figure  of  a  filk  wor^,  it  is  of  a  line  lea  green 
color,  on  its  rump  it  has  a  (ling  or  horn  near  a  quar- 
ter of  an  inch  long. 

The  BEES,  in  America^  principally  lodge  their 
honey  in  the  earth  to  fecure  it  from  the  ravages  of  the 
bears,  who  arc  remarkably  fond  of  it. 

Tlie  LIGHTNING  BUG  or  FIRE  FLY  is  about 
the  file  of  a  bee,  but  it  is  of  the  beetle  kind,  having, 
like  that  infcft,  two  pair  of  wings,  flie  upper  of  whicli 
are  of  a  firm  texture,  to  defend  it  from  danger. 
When  it  flies,  aiKl  the  wings  are  expanded,  there  is 
under  theie  a  kind  of  coat,  conftrufted  alfo  like  wings, 
which  is  luminous  •,  and  as  the  infecl:  paffes  on,  caufe^ 
all  the  hinder  part  of  its  body  to  appear  like  a 
bright  fiery  coal.  Having  placed  one  of  them  on 
your  hand,  the  under  part  only  fliines,  and  throws 
tlic  light  on  the  fpace  beneath  ;  but  as  foon  as  it 
fpreads  its  upper  wings  to  fly  away,  the  whole  body 
which  lies  behind  them  appears  illuminated  all  around. 
The  light  it  gives  is  not  conftantly  of  the  fame  mag- 
»itude,  even,  when  it  flies  j  but  feems  to  depend  on 
the  expanfion  or  contra£l^on  of  the  himinous  coat  or 
wings,  and  is  very  different  from  that  emitted  in  a 
dark  night  by  dry  wood  or  fomc  kinds  of  fifli,  it  hav- 
intr  much  more  the  appearance  of  real  fire.  They 
feem  to  be  fenfiblc  of  the  power  they  are  poflefied  of, 
and  to  know  the  moft  fuitable  time  for  exerting  it, 
as  in  a  vei'y  dark  night  they  are  much  more  numer- 
ous than  at  any  other  time.  They  are  only  fcen  during 

the 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


affj 


the  fummcr  months  of  June,  July,  and  Auauft,  and 
then  at  no  other  time  but  in   the  niglit.     Whether 
irom  their  color,  which  is  a  duflcy  brown,  they  arc  not 
then  difcernible,  or  from  their  retiring  to  holes  and 
crevices,  I  know  not,«but  they  are  never  to  be  difcov- 
eredm  the  day.  They  chiefly  are  feen  in  low  fwampy 
land,  and  appear  like  innumerable  tranflent  gleams 
oi  light.     In  dark  nights,  when  there  is  much   light- 
ning without  rain,  they  feem  as  if  they  wiilied  either 
to  mutate  or  aflift  the  flafhes  ;  for  during  the  inter- 
vals, they  are  uncommonly  agile,  and  cmleavour  to 
throw  out  every  ray  they  can  collea.     Notwithftand- 
mg  this  effulgent  appearance,  thefe  infects  are  per- 
tectly  harmlefs,  you  may  permit  them  to  crawl  upon 
your  hand,  when  five  or  lix,  if  thev  freely  exhibit 
their  glow  together,  will  enable  you  to  read  almoli 
the  Imallelt  print. 

The  WATER  BUG  is  of  a  brown  color,  about 
the  hze  of  a  pea,  and  in  ihape  nearly  oval ;  it  has* 
many  legs,  by  means  of  which  it  pafTes  over  the  fur- 
face  of  the  water  with  fuch  incredible  fwiftnefs,  that 
It  icems  to  Aide  or  dart  itfelf  alorrg. 

The  HORNED  BUG,  or  as  it^is  fometlmes  term^ 
ed  the  STAG  BEETLE,  is  of  a  dulky  brown  color. 
nearly  approaching  to  black,  about  an  inch  and  an 
half  long,  and  half  an  inch  broad.  It  has  two  large 
horns,  which  grow  on  each  fide  of  the  head,  and  meet 
horizontally,  and  with  thele  it  pinches  very  hard  • 
they  are  branched  Hke  thofeofa  fiag,  from  whence 
It  receives  its  name.  They  fly  about  in  the  evening, 
and  prove  very  troublefome  to  tliofe  who  are  in  the 
helds  at  that  time. 

I  mufl:  not  omit  that  the  LO€UaT  is  a  feptennial 
mlect,  as  they  are  only  feen,  a  fniall  nr.mhes*  c-f  flr-- 
glers  excepted,  every' feven  years,  whenVheV  infeft 
thefe  parts  and  the  interior  colonies  in  large  fwarms 
and  do  a  great  deal  of  mifchief.     The  years  when 
tacy  tlujs  arrive  are  denominated  the  locuft  years. 

CHAI^TER 


a84 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

OS  rH£  TREES,  SHRUBS,  ROOTS,  HERBSy 
FLOWERS,  ^c: 

1  SHALL  here  obferve  the  fame  method  that 
I  have  purfued  in  the  preceding  chapter,  and  having, 
given  a  lilt  of  the  trees,  &c.  which  are  natives  of  the 
interior  parts  of  North  America,  particularize  fuch 
only  as  dilFerfroui  the  produce  of  other  countries,  or,, 
being  little  known,  have  not  been  defcribed. 

OF  TREES. 

Tlie  0:\k,  the  Pine  Tree,  the  Maple,  the  Afli,  the 
Hemlock,  the  Bafs  or  White  Wood,  tlie  Cedar,  the 
Elm,  the  Birch,  the  Fir,  the  Locuft  Tree,  the  Poplar, 
the  Wickopic,  or  Suckwic,  the  Spruce,  the  Horn- 
beam, and  the  Button  Wood  Tree. 

The  OAK.  There  are  feveral  forts  of  oaks  in  thefe 
parts ;  the  bhck,  the  white,  the  red,  the  yellow,  the 
grey,  the  fwamp  oak,  and  the  chtfriiut  oak  ;  the  five 
former  vary  but  little  m  their  external  appearance,  the 
Ihaps  of  the  leaves,  and  the  color  of  the  bark  being 
To  much  alike,  that  they  are  fcarcely  diflinguifh.able  ; 
but  the  body  of  the  tree,  when  fawed,  difcovers  the 
variation,  which  chiefly  confifts  in  the  color  of  the 
wood,  they  being  all  very  hard,  and  proper  for  build- 
ing. The  fwainp  oak  differs  materially  from  the  oth- 
ers both  in  the  fhape  of  the  leaf,  which  is  fmaller,  and 
in  the  bark,  which  is  fmoother ;  and  Ukewife  as  it 
grows  only  in  a  moift,  gravelly  foil.  L  is  cfteemed 
the  toughcft  of  all  woods,  being  lb  ixrong,,yet  pliable, 
that  it  is  often  made  ufe  of  inftead  of  whalebone,  and 
is  equally  ferviceable.  The  chefnut  oak  alfo  is  greats 
ly  different  from  the  others,  particularly  i^  the  fhape 
■         '  "   ^  ■    '     ■    ■     of 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


28,- 


of  the  leaf,  which  much  reieinbles  that  of  the  cheft- 
ruit  tree,  and  for  this  reafon  is  fo  denominated.  It 
IS  neither  fo  ftrong  as  the  former  fpecies,  nor  fo  touch 
as  the  latter,  but  is  of  a  nature  proper  to  be  fplit  into 
rails  for  fences,  in  which  ftu: ::  'will  endure  a  conftder- 
able  time. 

The  PINE  TREE.  That  fpecies  of  the  pine  tree 
peculiar  to  this  part  of  the  continent,  is  the  white, 
thequality  of  which  r  need  not  dcfcribe,  as  the  tim- 
ber of  It  is  fo  well  known  under  the  name  of  deals. 
It  grows  here  in  great  plenty,  to  an  amazing  height 
-and  fize,  ahd  yields  an  excellent  turpentint,  thou'^h 
not^  m  fuch  quantities  as  thofe  in  the  nqrthern  parts 
of  Europe.        ; 

The  MAPLE.     Of  this  tree  there  are  two  forts, 
the  hard  and  the  foft,  both  of  which  yield  a  lufbious 
juice,  from  which  the  Indians,  by  boiling,   make  v^ry 
good  lugar.     The   lap  of  the  former  is  much  richer 
and  fweeter  than   the  latter,  but  the  foft  produces  a 
greater  quantity.     The  wood  of  the  hard  maple  is  ve- 
ry oeautifully  veined  and  ourled,  and  when  wrought 
into  cabinets,  tables,  gunftocks,  &c.  is  greatly  valued. 
That  of  the  foft  fort   differs  in   its  texture,  wanting 
the  variegated  grain  of  the  hard;  it  alfo  f  ows  more 
ilraight  and  free  from  branches,  and  is'more  eafily 
Ipht.     It  hkewife  may  be  diftinguifhed  from  the  hard, 
as  this  grows  in  meadows  andiow  lands,  that  on  the 
Jnlls  and  uplands.     The  leaves  are  ih aped  alike,- but 
thole  ot  the  folt  maple  are  much  the  largeft,  anrf  of  a 
deeper  green. 

The  ASH.  There  are  feveral  forts  of  this  tree  in 
tuefe  parts,  but  that  to  which  I  (hM  confine  mv  de- 
Icr^ption  IS  the  yellow  alli,  which  is  only  found  'near 
the  head  branches  of  the  Mifllfinni,  Th;=  tr-e  -t"-— - 
to  an  amazing  height,  and  thV body  of  k'  Tfcf  firm 
and  lound,  that  the  French  traders  who  go  into  that 
country  from  Louifiana,  to  purchafe  fiirs,  make  of 
them  pen.iguays ;  this  they  do  by  excavating  them 

by 


285 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


by  £re,  and  when  they  are  completed^  convey  in  them 
the  produce  of  their  trade  to  New  Orleans,  where 
they  find  a  good  market  both  for  their  veiTels  and 
cargoes.  Tlie  wood  of  this  tree  greatly  rcfeinblcs 
that  of  the  common  afh  ;  but  it  might  be'diftinguilh- 
ed  from  any  other  tree  by  its  bark  ;  the  rofs  or  outfidc 
bark  being  near  eight  inches  thick,  and  indented  with 
furrows  more  than  fix  inches  deep,  which  make  thofc 
that  are  arrived  to  a  great  bulk  appear  uncommonly 
rough  J  and  by  this  peculiarity  they  may  be  readily 
known.  The  rind  or  inflde  bark  is  of  the  fame  thick- 
nefs  as  that  of  other  trees,  but  its  color  is  a  fine  bright 
yellow,  infomuch  that  if  it  is  but  flightly  handled,  it 
will  leave  a  ftain  on  the  fingers,  whicScannot  eafily 
be  Wafhed  away ;  and  if  in  the  fpring  fki  peel  off  the 
bark,  and  touch  the  fap,  which  then  rifes  between 
that  and  the  body  of  the  tree,  it  will  leave  fo  deep  a 
tinft-are  that  it  will  require  three  or  four  days  to  wear 
it  off.  Many  ufeful  qualities  belong  to  this  tree,  I 
4oubt  not  will  be  difcovered  in  time,  befides  its  prov- 
ing a  valuable  acquifition  to  the  dyer. 

The  HEMLOCK  TREE  grows  in  every  part  of 
America,  in  a  greater  or  Icfs  degree.  It  is  an  ever- 
green of  a  very  large  growth,  and  iias  leaves  fome- 
what  like  that  of  the  yew  ;  it  is  however  quite  ufc- 
lefe,  and  only  an  iiicumbrancc  to  the  ground,  the  wood 
being  of  a  very  coarfe  grain,  and  full  of  wind-fliakcs 
crrracks. 

The  BASS  or  WHITE  WOOIJ  is  a  tree  of  a  mid- 
dling Cze,  and  the  whiteft  and  fofteft  wood  that 
grows  ;  when  quite  dry  it  fwims  on  the  water  like  a 
cork ;  in  the  fcttlemen'ts  the  turners  make  of  it  bowls, 
trenchers,  and  diihss,  which  wear  fmooth,  and  will 
laft  a  long  time  ;  but  when  applied  to  any  other  pur- 
pw'ic  :z  is  irii  irom  durauic. 

The  WICKOPICK  orSUCKWIK  appears  to  be 
a  fpecies  of  the  white  wood,  and  is  diftinguiflied 
trom  it  by  a  peculiar  quality  in  the  bark,  which,  when 

pounded, 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  -     287 

pounded,  and  moiftened  with  a  little  water,  inftantlv 
be  o^es  anutterof  theconfxftence  and  naturfof  h  ? 

^IrJ^r^       '  u'  ^"^''"'  P'^y  '^'''  ""o«,  and  it  greatly 
exceeds  p.tch,  or  any   other  material  ufually  fnnro 

matcThrL^h  r  ''f "'"'  '^''  '^'  ^^^^^r  cannot  pa - 
etiate  through  it,  and  its  repelling  power  abates  nnV 
for  a  confiderable  time  i,  P"^^  cr  aoates   not 

The  BUTrON  WOOD  is  a  tree  of  the  lar.eft 
fize,  and  might  be  diftinguiflied  by  its  bark   wM  f  5 

iVar  TREES. 

The  BUTTER  or  OIL  NTTT      a 
^  been  ™de  by  any'  a^KL  i^  "S^i^Te'r 
more  particular  in  my  account  of  if      tk    .  "'^ 

in  meadows  where  the  foH  U  T^^  ''^^  S^^^^'^ 

pmiit,  and  its  leaves  relemble  thofe  of  the  xvilnnf 
The  nut  has  a  fhell  more  hke  that  flZ     7-  ,      ? 
pe  is  more  fu.rowed,  and  itrf  ei^ 
a  fo  much  longer  and  lar^r  than  a  wainu    ai^J  con' 

d  o?r'r  ^"^"^'^'"  ^^^^^"^^>  which  sVcry  oily" 
and  of  a  rich,  agreeable  flavor.  I  am  perfuadS  thll 
a  much  purer  oil  th,n  .u„*  -.r  -,.....       .  P^"."aaed  that 

ed  from  this  nut:  "The^ild^  bXr^"'  ''  '"'^'^ 
good  purple;  and  it  is  faid 


either 
'  which 


darker 

gathered. 


It 


this  tree  dyes  _ 

.  -initsfhade,  being 

ipitcr,  according  to  the  month  iS 


varies 
acco; 


The 


£68 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


The  BEECH  NUT.  Though  this  tree  grows  ex- 
n£lly  Uke  that  of  the  lame  name  in  Em-ope,  yet  it 
produces  nuts  equally  as  good  as  chcftnuts  ;  on  which 
bears,  martins,  fquirrels,  partridges,  turkies,  and  many 
other  birds  and  bcaib  feed.  The  nut  is  contained, 
whilft  growing,  in  an  outfide  cafe,  Uke  that  of  a  chcll- 
nut,  but  not  fo  prickly  ;  and  the  coat  of  th.e  infide 
IhcU  is  alfo  fmooth  like  that ;  only  its  form  is  nearly 
triangular.  Vaii  quantities  of  them  lie  fcattered  a- 
bout.in  the  woods,  and  fupply  with  food  great  num- 
bers of  the  creatures  juft  mentioned.  The  leaves, 
which  are  white,  continue  on  the  trees  during  the 
whole  winter.  A  decoction  made  of  them  is  a  cer- 
tain and  expeditious  cure  for  wounds  which  arife  from 
burning  or  fcalding,  as  veil  as  a  reirorative  for  thofe 
members  that  are  nipped  by  the  froft. 

The  PECAN  NUT  is  fomewhat  of  the  walnut 
kind,  but  rather  fmaller  than  a  walnut,  being  about 
ihe  fize  of  a  middle  acorn,  and  of  an  oval  form ;  the 
fhell  is  eafdy  cracked,  and  the  kernel  fhapcd  like  that 
of  a  walnut.  This  tree  gi-ows  ciiietty  near  the  Illinois 
River. 

The  HICKORY  is  alfo  of  the  walnut  kind,  and 
bears  a  fruit  nearly  like  that  tree.  There  are  feveral 
forts  of  them,  which  vary  only  in  the  color  of  the 
wood.  Being  of  a  very  tough  nature,  the  wood  is 
generally  ufed  for  the  handles  of  axes,  &c.  It  is  alfo 
very  good  fire  wood,  and  as  it  burns,  an  excellent 
fugar  difllls  from  it. 

FRUn  TREES. 

I  need  not  to  obferve  that  thefe  are  all  the  fponta- 
neous  productions  of  nature,  which  have  never  re- 
teivcd  the  adViiatages  Oi  ingiaiimg,  tt^nipxaiiuug,  ^■^^ 
manuring. 

The  Vine,  the  Mulberry  Tree,  the  Crab  Apple 
Tree,  the  Plum  Tree,  the   Cherry  Tree,  and  the 


Sweet  Gum  Tree. 


Th»? 


treat  num- 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  885^ 

would  b^  e  '  n^  if  Lfr ''"•"'■'  ™  '^'='"  "f  ">'">. 
^^^    "       equ.1I,  if  not  fupenor,  to  thofe  of  that  coun- 

»nd  I  a,y,  anT^o;'  In  t,;;^^"  "' '  t  !![""" 
quantity  of  filk  ,vorms  '^'  '^""'  ""^ 

rope.       ^  °^  ^'™"''  ">^  thofe  of  Eu- 

»n  o„e  fide,  and  Sn  tTe  Xfrthe  ffl'f  'f 
ly  green,  and  much  fmaller     Boi'h  llr      '' '°!."'- 

theproduSionsofn,^      '    "'.""""^  ''"''«'=''  «■«" 

The  CHERRY  TREf"  Tf  ™™Pr=''  '*^'- 

Jherries  in  .his  cl„n™,,,t?k  tLeT'T."' 
fand  cherrv  •  th^-  ^■«r,^  wl         "'acf.  the  red,  and  the 

-/rht:e!S--«^"^tnSt. 
thi.fpla  e     Th,'';/,,^^"  S've  ^"  ^^^°""t  of  them  in 

uees  which  bcnp  thL    J'  '     r^^  ^^^P^'  '    'he 

gene.,,,  ,^^,  ^^[^2^7 t'^/l^  ^^ . 

Se'ffi^'t^trr  T\  4 '"  '"^--  '^^=  ■ 

""ck  (o«  juft  defcribed  j   .fo  tJi«  .licbu&es' 

which 


2po 


CARVER'3  TRAVELS. 


which  bear  them  appear  at  a  diftancc  like  folid  bodies 
of  red  matter.  Some  people  admire  this  fruit,  but 
they  partake  of  the  nature  and  tafte  of  aUim,  leaving 
a  difagreeablc  roughnefs  in  the  throat,  and  being  very 
aftringent.  As  I  have  already  defciibcd  the  fand 
cherries,  which  greatly  exceed  the  tviro  other  forts, 
both  in  flavor  and  fize,  I  Ihall  give  no  farther  Uefcrip- 
tion  of  theip.  The  wood  of  the  blar,fc  cherry  tree  is 
very  ufeful,  and  works  well  into  cabinet  ware. 

The  SWEET  GUM  TREE  or  LTQ^TID  AMBER 
(Copalm)  is  not  only  extremely  common,  but  it  af- 
tbrds  a  balm,  the  virtues  of  w^hich  are  infinite.  Its 
bark  is  black  and  hard,  and  its  wood  fo  tender  and 
Aipple,  that  when  the  tree  is  felled,  you  may  draw 
from  Ihe  middle  of  it  rods  of  five  or  fix  feet  in  length. 
Ji  cannot  be  employed  in  building,  or  furniture,  as  it 
warps  continually.  Its  leaf  is  indented  with  five 
points,  like  a  ftar.  This  balm  is  reckoned  by  the  In- 
dians to  be  an  exoellent  febrifuge,  and  it  cures 
rWounds  in  two  or  three  days.    ' 

SHRUBS. 

The  Willow,  Shin  "  "ood,  Shumack,  Saflafras,  the 
Prickly  Afh,  Moofe  AVood,  Spoon  Wood,  Large  El- 
der, Dwarf  Elder,  Poifonous  Elder,  Juniper,  Shrub 
Oak,  Sweet  i"em,  tine  Laurel,  the  Witch  Hazle,the 
l^IyrtleWa;.  Tree,  Winter  Green,  the  F eve)-  Bulh, 
the  Cranbc.y  buih,  the  Goofeberry  Bufli,  the  Currant 
Bufli,  the  Whirtle  Berry,  the  Ralberry,  the  Black 
Bcrry,.a^d  the  Choak  Berry,  '     i-      ■• 

The  WILLOW.  There  are  fevcffai  fpecies  of  the 
willow,  the  moft  remarkable  of  .which  is  a  fmall  fort 
that  grows  on  the  banks  (i£  the  Miffifippi,  skvdSomc 
ojJbcr.piaccs  aajaceuj;.  Xm*^  uarK.;»vx  -ixsss  mxfiv  i-;- 
plies  the  btaver  witk  its  winter  food. ;  and  where  the 
water  has  waflied  the  foil  from  its  roots,  they  appe^ir 
to  confift  of  Jibres  interworen  f  ogether  like  fchread, 

■  .  '■-  thv 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


a^i 


the  color  of  which  is  of  an  inexprcffibly  fine  fcarlet  ; 

with  this  the   Indians  tinge  many  of  the  ornamental 
parts  of  tlicir  dr^-fs. 

SHIN  WOOD.  This  extraordinary -fhrub  grows 
in  the  forefls,  and  rifrng  like  a  vine,  runs  near  the 
ground  for  fix  or  eight  fccr,  and  then  takes  root  a- 
gain  ;  m  the  lame  manner  taking  root,  and  fprina- 
ing  up  fuc^effively,  one-  ftalk  covers  a  larj^e  fpacc^; 
th.s  proves  very  troublcfome  to  the  haHy  traveller, 
by  ItriKing  agamft  iiis  fliins,  and  entangling  his  lees 
from  which  it  has  acquired  its  name. 

The  SASSAFRAS  is  a  wood  well  known  for  its 
medicinal  qualities.     It  might  with  equal  propriety 
be  termed  a  tree  as  a  fhrub,   as  it  fometimes  grows 
thirty  feet  high;  but  in  general   it  does  not    rearh 
higher  than  thofc  of  the  fhrub  kind.     The  leaves 
xvhich   yield  aft   agreeable  fragrance,   are  lar^re,   nii.i 
nearly  feparatod  into  three  divilions.     It  bears  a  reel- 
diih  brown  b^nry,  of  the  fize  and  ihape  of  Pimento, 
^Kl  which  13  fomctimes-ufed  m  ths  colonies  as  a  fub- 
ftitute  for  tlia<  fpice.     The  bark  or  rpots  of  thii  tree, 
IS  inhnitely  fupcrior  to  the  wood  for  its  ufe  in  medi- 
cine,   and  I  am  furprifed  it  is  io  feldom  to  be  met 
with,  as  its  efficacy  is  fc  much  greater. 

The  PRICKLY  AKH  is  a  ihrub  that  fometimcs 
prows  to  the  height  of  ten  or  fJtcen  feet,  and  has  a 
leaf  cxaaiy  relembling  that  of  an  aih,  but  it  receives 
the  epithet  to   its  name  from  tlw  abund:mce  of  fLort 
thorns  with  which  every  branch  is  covered,  and  which 
renders  it  very  troublefome  to  thofe  who  pafs  through 
the  fpot  where   they  grow  thick.     It  alfo    bears   a 
icarlet  berry,  which,  when  ripe,  has  a  fiery  tafte,  like 
pepper.      The  bark  of  this  tree,  particularly  the  bark 
ot  the  roots,  is  highly  efleemed  by  the  natives   for 
its   iuemcinai   qualities.     1   have   already  meationed 
one  mftance  of  its  efficacy,  and  there  is  no   doubt' 
but  that  tae  decoftion  of  it  will  expi'ditioufly  and  rad-  ' 
ically  remove  aU  impurities  of  the  blood. . 

The 


)2 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


The  MOfVSE  WOOD  grows  about  four  feet 
high,  and  is  very  full  of  branches  j  but  what  renders 
it  worth  notice,  is  its  baric,  which  is  of  fo  ftron^  and 
pliable  a  texture,  that  being  peeled  off  at  any  feafon, 
and  twiftcd,  makes  equally  as  good  cordage  as  h^nip. 

The  SPOON  WOOD  i's  a  fpecies  of  the  laurel,  and 
the  wood  when  fawed  refcmbles  box  wood. 

The  ELDER,  commonly  termed  the  poifonous 
elder,  nearly  refenibles  the  other  forts  in  its  leaves  anc 
branches,  but  it  growi  much  liraighter,  and  is  only 
found  in  fwampi  and  moiil:  foi.s.  This  ihrub  is  en- 
dowed with  a  very  extraordinary  quality,  that  renders 
it  poifonous  to  fome  conftitutions,  which  it  affe6ts 
if  the  pcrfon  only  approaches  within  a  few  yards  of  it, 
whiilc  others  fTtay  ever,  chew  the  leaves  or  the  rind 
without  receiving  the  leal>  detriment  from  them : 
the  poifon,  however,  is  not  mortal,  though  it  ope- 
rates very  violt  I'tly  on  the  infeiHred  perfon,  whofe 
body  and  heail  iwell  to  an  amazing  fize,  and  arc  cov- 
ered with  eiuptions,  that  at  their  height  rcfemble  the 
confluent  fmall  pox.  As  It  grows  alfo  in  many  of  the 
provinces,  the  inhabitants  cure  its  venom  by  drinking 
faflron  tea,  and  anointing  the  external  parts  with  a 
nnixture  cofnpofed  of  cream  and  marili  mallows. 

The  SHRUB  OAK  is  exaftly  fimilnr  to  the  oak 
tree,  both  in  wood  and  leaves,  and  like  that  it  bears 
an  acorn,  but  it  never  rifes  from  the  ground  above 
four  or  five  feet,  growing  crooked  and  knotty.  It  is 
found  chielly  on  a  dry,  gravelly  {c'.. 

The  WrrOi .  HAZLE  grows  ver      -> .  'iy,  abo»r 

ten  feet  hi"h,  and  is  covered  ear'     'a   M.- ,  with  nu- 

merous   white   bloflbms.      When  this   ihrub   is   in 

bloom,  the  Indians    efteem  it  a  further  indication 

that  the  froft  is  entirely  gone,  and  that  they  might 
r —  »u„: 


T..  1 1 r„:j 


_1 — , 


.m 


'he  power  of  attracting  gold  or  filver,  and  that  twigs 

of 


CARVER'S  TRAVEL^. 


293 

of  it  are  made  ufe  of  to  difcover  where  the  vein,  of 
hrfe -acta  s  he  hui  j  but  I  am  apprehenHve  that  th^ 
h^^  '   f"'T  '^^^T'  ^"^  "^^  ^°  be  depended  0 

The   MYRTLE  WAX  TREE  is  a  fhrub  abou^ 

X  ai:':Hke     ^;^   -—  -rtle,  but  they  f.S 
xnctiy  alike.     It  bears  its  fruit  in  bunches,  like  a 
nofcgay,  nfing  from  the  fame  place  in  variot   i  alks 

n,  a  latle  nut,   contammg  a  kernel,  which  is  wholly 
covered  with  a  gluey  fubft^nce.  whick  being  bo    d  in 
water,  fw.m.  on  the  furr-xce  of  it,  and  becomes  .kLd 
of  green  wax;  this  is   more  valuable  than  bS^, tax 
being  of  a  more  brittle  nature,  and  mixed  with  'r 

.       WlN;rER  GREEN.    This  i.  an  ever  rrfcen  '  of  " 
ti;e  fpec.es  of  the  myrtle,  and  is  found  .on  dry  heaths 
the  flowers  of  it  are  white,  and  in  the  form  of  a  ro^' 

are  hnooth  and  round  ;    theie  are  p^eferved  d  r h. 

the  fevere  feafb,.  by  the  fnow,  and  ar.  at  this  tt  e 

Uio  higheft  perfeaiom     The  Indians  eat  theriber 

wes.  ea-ceminLM  hem  verv  half „r,;r    ./i        •         • 
to  thfl  {]  -n.^^u      rrl       -  oaiiamic,   and  invigorating- 

The  FEVER   BUSH  grows  about  five  or  fix  feet 

^:^:l^^  t^^  'I  'il=«  tha?  of  a  lilach,  and  it  b'n.r' 

l^ZT  T'J-  "!  ^   '^""y  "^^""-  •   '^^^^  ftalks  of  itare 
excefhvely  brittle.     A  dccoaion  of  the  biids  or  wood 

an  e,c^il.ntfebrifugey«nd.fVom  this  valuabl    prop- 
wjmcdy  for  ali   mflammatpry   cott^plaints,  «a>d       e- 

'  A  a  2  r 


294 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


wife  much  efteemed  on  the  fame  account,  by  the  in- 
habitants of  the  interior  parts  of  the  colonies. 

The  CRANJ3ERRY  BUSH.  Though  the  fruit 
of  this  bufli  greatly  refembles  in  lize  and  appearance 
that  of  the  common  fort  which  grows  on  a  fmall  vine, 
In  morafles,  and  bogs,  yet  the  bufli  runs  to  the  height 
of  ten  or  twelve  feet  ;  but  It  is  very  rarely  to  be  met 
with.  As  the  meadow  cranberry,  being  of  a  local 
growth,  and  flourifhing  only  in  morafles,  cannot  be 
tranfplanted  or  cultivated,  the  former,  if  removed  at  a 
proper  feaibn,  would  be  a  valuable  acqulfition  to  the 
garden,  and- with  proper  nurture,  prove  equally  as 
good,  if  not  better. 

The  CHOAK  BERRY.  The  fl^rub  thus  termed 
by  the  natives  grows  about  five  or  fix  feet  high,  and 
bears' 'a  berry  about  the  lize  of  a  floe,  of  a  jet  black, 
Trhich  contains  feveral  fmall  feeds  within  the  pulp. 
The  juice  of  this  fruit,  though  not  of  a  difagreeable 
flavor,  is  extremely  tart,  and  leaves  a  roughnel's  in  the 
mouth  and  throat  when  eaten,  that  has  gained  it  the 
name  of  choak  berry. 

ROOTS  AND  PLANTS. 

Elecampane,  Spikenard,  Angelica,  Sarfiipanlla, 
Giniang,  Ground  Nuts,  Wild  Potatoes,  Liquorice, 
Snake  Root,  Gold  Thread,  Solomon's  Seal,  Devil's 
Bit,  Blood  Root,  Onions,  Garlick,  Wild  Parfnips, 
Mandrakes,  Hellebore,  White  and  Black.     * 

SPIKENARD,'  vulgarly  called  in  the  colonies 
Petty-Morrel.  This  plant  appears  to  be  exadly  the 
iame  as  the  Afiatic  fpikenard,  fo  much  valued  by 
the  ancients.  It  grows  near  the  fides  of  brooks  in 
rocky  places,  ana  its  ftcm,  which  is  about  the  iize  of 
a  goofe  quill,  fprings  up  like  that  of  angelica,  reach- 
ing about  a  foot  and  a  half  from  the  ground.  It 
bears  bunches  of  terries,  in  all  rcfpecfts  like  thofe  of 
the  elder,  only  rather  larger.    Thefe  are  of  fuch  a 

balfaoii*; 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  .^^ 

balfamic  nature,  that   when  Infufed  in  fplrits,  they 
niakc  a  moft  palatable  and  reviving  cordial  ^ 

SARSAPARILLA.       The    ro'ot    ofthis   plant 
^uch  .  the  n.oft   eftimable  part   of  it,  is  abou't  the 
fize  of  a  goofe  quill,  and  runs  in  different  direftions 
twmed  and  crooked  to  a  great  length  in  the  gVound  ! 
from  the  principal  ftem  i^  it  fprings  many  fnX; 
hbres,  all  of  which  are  tough  and  flexible.     Lorn   he 
root  mnnediately  fhoots  a  ftalk  about  a  foot  and  an 
ha  f  long  which  at  the  top  branches  into  three  ftems 
each  of  thefe  has  three  leaves,  much  of  the  il.ape  and' 
fize  of  a  walnut  leaf ;  and  from  the  fork  of  e^cl   of 
the  three  ftems  grows  a  bunch  of  bluifh  white  flow 
ers,  refemblingthofeof  the  fpikenard.     The  bark^f 
the  roots,  whu:h  alone  Ihould  be  ufed  in  medic  ne  is 
of  a  bittenfh  flavdr  but  aromatic.     It  is  deiervLdfy  'ef! 
teemed^for  ,ts  medicinal  yirtues,  being  a  gent  e  fbdor 
ific,  and  yery  powerful  in  attenuating  ^heC,  when 
impeded  by  grofs  humors.  ^  '     ^" 

GINSANG  is  a  root  that  was  once  fuppofed  to 
grow  only  in  Korea,  from  whence  it  was  uflfal  y  ex! 
ported  to  Japan  and  by  that  means  found  its  wLTo 
Europe  ;  but  it  has  been  lately  difcovered  to  be  alfo  a 
native  of  North  America,  where  it  grows  to  as  g  eat 
perfedlion,  and  as  equally  valuable.  Its  root  Jfe  I 
fmall  carrot,  but  not  fo  taper  at  the  end  ;  it  i  W 
times  divided  into  two  or  more  branches,  in  all  oW 
refpeas  it  refembles  farfapariUa,  in  its  g  owt  tZ 
tafte  of  the  root  is  bitterifl..  In  the  eaflern  part  of 
Afiait  bears  a  gi-eat  price,  being  there  confidered  as  a 

SSTr's"'  w/"  '1  "'"f   ''  ^'^  inhabitamsTin"  1 
dUorders.       When  chewed  it   certainly   is   a   great 

ftre^ngtheneroftheflomach.  ^  ^^^ 

•  ^u-^?  THREAD.     This  is  a  plant  of  the  fmall 

IZttl^'^'fl  ^""^  ';  ^--Py  places,  and  lieTot 
the  ground.      The  roots  fpread  themfelves  juft  under 

haadfuis.     They  refcmble  a  large  entangled  ilcein  of 

thread, 


29  <5 


CARVER'S  travels: 


thread,  of  a  fine,  b»iglit  gold  color  ;  and  I  anvper- 
fuadcd  would  yield  a  beautiful  and  iKrmancnt  yellov/ 
c|ye.  It  alfb  greatly  eft^xMiied  both  by  the  Irdiaii-a 
aiid  colonifts,  as  a  remedy  for  any  Ibrenefs  in  the 
mouth,  but  the  tafte  of  it  is.  exqvUiitely  bitter. - 

SOLOMON'S  SEAL  is  a  p^ant  that  grows  on  the 
fides  of  rivers,  and  in  rich  jneadow  land.  It  rifes  in 
the  whole  to  about  three  feet  high,  the  ftalks  being 
two  feetj  when  the  leaves  begin  to  fpread  themfelves 
and,  reach  a  foot  further.  A  part  in  every  root  has 
an  irapreffion  upon  it  al/cut  the  {r/.c  of  a  lixpeucC; 
which  appears  as  if  it  was  made  by  a  il~al,  and  fror.i 
thefe  it  receives  its  name.  It  k  greatly  valued  on 
account  of  its.  being  a  fine  purifier  of  the  blood*  - . 

devil's  bit  is  another  wild  plant  which  grows 
in  the  fields,  and  receives  its  name  iVom  a  print  that 
feems  to  be  made  by  teeth  in  the  rootf^.  The  Itidians 
fay  that  this  was  onr.«  an  aniverfal  remedy  for  every 
diforder  that  is  incident  to  human  nature  ;  but  fome 
of  the  evil  fpirits  envying  mankind  the  poffefTion  of 
fo  efiicacious  a  medicine,  gave  the  root  a  bite,  which 
deprived  it  of  a  great  part  of  its  virtue. 

BLOOD  ROOT.  A  I'ort  of  planta:!n  that  fprirgs- 
out  of  the  ground  in  fk  or  feven  long  rough  icr.vcs, 
the  veins  of  which  are  red  }  the  root  of  it  is  like  a- 
faiall  carrot,  both  in  color  and  apjiearance  ;  wht^n 
broken,  the  infide  of  it  is  of  a  deeper  color  than  the 
outlide,  and  diitils  feveral  drops  of  juice,  that  look 
like  blood.  This  is  a  flrong  emetic,  but  a  very  dan- 
gerous one. 

HERBS. 


tain 


.o 


Balm.  Nettles.  Ci'T'UP  Foil  Ev^^hflrrl-it  .<?itt;»-1,»  Plin. 
attle  Snake  Plantain,  Poor  Robin's  riantaiii, 
Plantain,    Maiden    Hair, 


ilcl   Dock 


Liverwort,  Noble  Liverwort,,  i^^Qodw^rt;,  Vyild  J^ans, 
Ground  Ivy,   Water  Crclles,   Yarrow»u¥;'7  We^-d, 

Gar/jt. 


Gargit,  S 

ony,    Sea 

Wild  Ind 

SANK 

upper  pari 

of  it  are  t 

fliining  gr 

of  ai  foot, 

and   on  tl 

reddilh  wl 

of  the  rooi 

RATTI 

herb  is   of 

fpread  then 

and  an  hal 

centre  of  t 

long,  whicl 

about  the  ii 

divided  inti 

herb  are  m 

for  the  bite 

name  ;  and 

to  the  wour 

<lom  fails  of 

convinced  ar 

lible  antidot( 

liquor,  they 

drive  his  fani 

that  during  i 

creatures  is  n 

'n\  its  greatefl 

growth. 

POOR  R 
'pecies  as  the 
Jpcct  J  it  rece 
land  on  whicl 
^nd  often  adn 
ternal  weakne 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


297 
Gargit,  Skunk  Cabbage  or  Poke    W^L-^  P«k-     t> 

SAMrrifr   r°''''"°  »"J  Cat  Mint. 
a.Ki   on  ,'h     t''.^  'V^'""=  ''"'r^  ='■"''  f«^  fr<™  knot, 

,W  f  .7""™'  ='".''  fome  of  the  ju  ce  fwallowcd    ftl 

con"  t  al\rr^r''"^''TseU  fy,,,;.:^'!' t- 

liquor    they  ;  n  at  tv  ',i„,    '"'^  '""'  "^  '''''""■''-• 

POOR  ROBIN'S  PLANTAIN  is  of   ,h.  r 
,<pec,es  as  tl,e  laft,  but  more  dim^.-L-^  '^J'""= 

»a  often   dmi^Cd-^itl'  f  '  T'  r'^'"""'"". 

TOAD 


2^B 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


TOADPI.ANTAIN  refeinbles  the  common  plar.. 
tain,  only  it  grows  much  ratikei',  and  is  thus  denouii- 
nated,  becaufe  toatls  love  to  har'our  under  it. 

ROCK  LIVERWORT  is  a  fort  of  liverwort  tliat 
grows  on  rocks,  and  is  of  the  nature  of  kelp  or 
niofs.  It  is  efteemed  an  excellent  remedy  againft  de- 
clines. 

GARGIT  or  SKOKE  is  a  large  kind  of  weed,  the 
leaves  of  which  are  about  lix  inches  long,  and  two 
inches  arid  a  half  broad  ;  they  refcmble  thofe  of  fpin- 
age  in  their  color  and  texture,  Lut  not  in  fh?pe. 
The  root  is^'-very  large,  from  which  fpring  difi'erent 
fValks  that  run  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  and  are  full  of 
red  berries  :  Thefc  hang  in  cluftcrs  in  the  month  of 
September,  ant'i  iire  generally  called  pigeon  berries, 
as  thofe  birds  then  feed  on  them.  When  the  leaves 
firft  fpring  from  the  ground,  after  being  boiled,  tht7 
are  a  mitritlotis  and  wholefoi\.e  vegetable,  but  wlaen 
they  arc  grown  nearly  to  their  fuU  iize,  tliey  acquire 
a  poilbnous  quality.  The  roots  applied  to  t!ie  li.iuds 
or  feet  of  a  perfon  aiHidled  with  a  feverj  prove  a  very 
powerful  abforbent. 

SKUNK  CABBAGE  or  POKE  is  .vr.  herb  thnt 
grows  in  moirt;  and  fwampy  places.  'I'hc  leaves  of 
it  are  about  a  foot  long,  and  fix  inches  broad,  nearly 
oval,  but  rather  pointed.  The  roots  are  compofed  of 
great  numljer  of  fibres,  a  lotion  of  which  is  made 
ufe  of  by  the  people  in  the  colonies  for  the  cure  of 
the  itch.  There  iflues  a  ftrong  muiky  ImcU  from 
this  herb,  fomcthing  like  the  animal  of  the  fame 
name  before  defcribed,  and  on  that  account  it  is  fo 
termed. 

WAKE  ROBIN  is  an  herb  that  grows  in  fwampf 
lands;  its  root  rdembles,  a  fmall  turnip,  Ind  if  taft- 

£,■"•••/     "Y""''"-      '■"-      •■■••••Jr---J      --=■•"     t::.--i.----i-:iv; 

convert  it  from  its  natural  flupe  into  a  ixjimd  hard 
fubftance ;  in  \v'hich  ftate  it  will  continue  for  fome 
tiniCj    and  during  this  no  other  part  of  the  month 


wi;^ 


CARVER'*   TRAVELS. 


irovc  a  very 


"m 


will  be  afiefted.     E„t  when  dried,  it  lofes  its   aftrin> 
gent  quality,  and  becomes  beneficial  to  mankind,  for 
if  grated  into  coid    water,  and  taken  internally,   it  is 
Jxrir'li  -'-'''  '^^  ^^P'^'nts  of  the  bowels.  ' 

WILD  INDIGO  is  an  herb  of  the  fame  fpeci«  as 
that  from  whence  indigo  is  made  in  the  fouthern  col- 
onies. It  grows  in  one  ftalk  to  the  hnght  of  five  of 
fix  mches  from  the  ground,  when  it  divides  into  manr 

^'lilr^  ?""  "^^""'^  '^""  ^  8'-^''^*  ""'"l^er  of  fmall 
hard  blurfl,  kaves  that  fpreud  to  a  great  breadth,  and 
among  thefe  it  bears  a  vellow  flowe^r  ;  the  juice  of  k 
hasaverydtfagreeable^cent.  ; 

^.?t^  ^^^'^  ^"^  ^  voody -rocft,  tiiv?ded  into  fe^l 
era]  branches  and  ,t  fends  forth  a  ftalk  abmit  three 
feet  high  J  the  leaves  are  like  thofe  of  the  nettle  or 
betony,  and  they  have  a  ftrong  fmdl  of  mint,  with 
a  bitmg  acnd  tafte;  the  Bowers  grow  on  the  tops  of 

tL  Tr  ''  ^f /'^^  °^-  f-"t  purple  or  whiti/l. 
'^olor.  It  ,s  called  cat  mmt.  becaufe  it  h  faid  cats 
ft«ve  an  antipathy  to  it,  and  will  not  let  it  ^row.  It 
has  nearly  .the  virtue  of  common  mint.* 

'     •    FLOWERS. 

Hearths  Eafe,  LilUes  Ted  and  yellow.  Pond  LJIKes, 
Cowihps,    May. Flowers,    JdTamine,  Honeyfuckle 
RocfcWy;fticWes,  Rofes  red  and  white,  vld  Ho t 
lyhock,  Wild  Pinks,  Golden  Rod.  "  "oi 

I  fliall  not  enter  into  a  minute  defcrJptior.  of  the- 
flov;ers  above  recited,  but  only  juft  obferJe  that  they 
much  refemble  thofe  of  the  faine  name  which  grow  il 
Europe,  and  are  as  beautiful  m  color,  and  as  perfeft 

::uis.?:ittr'^^pp^^-^^-.^^^^-^ 


ffi.f  ^'^r"f  ^^'*'^''»^^i«^<^^'t-'^a«>•ft  I  havtf 


.<»  tbc'«jltivr.»f;that  p'lojt 


publjfl)cd 


A 


FJRINACBOUS 


30O 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


FARINACEOUS  and  LEGUMINOUS 
ROOTS,  ^c. 

Ma'ze   or    Indian  Corn,  Wild   Rice,  Be;tns,  the 
Squafh,  Sec. 

MAIZE  or  INDIAN  CORN  grows  from  fix  to 
ten  feet  high,  on  a  ftalk  full  ofjoints,  which  is  ftiff 
ami  folid,  and  when  green,  abounding  with   a   fweet 
juice.     The  leaves  are  like  thofe  of  the  reed,  about 
two  feet  in  length,  and  three  or  four  inches  broad. 
The  flowers  which  are  produced  at    fome  diftance 
from  the  fruit  on  the  fame  plant,  grow  like  tlie  ears 
of  oats,  and  are  fometimcs  white,  yellow,  or  of  a  pur- 
ple color.     The  feeds  are  as  large  as  peafe,  and  like 
.  them  quite  naked   and   fmooth,  but  of  a  roundilli 
furface,  rather  comprefled.     One  fpike  generally  con- 
fifts  of  about  fix  hundred   grains,  which  are  placed 
clofely  together  in  rows,  to  the  number  of  eight  or 
ten,  and  fnmetimes  twelve.     This  corn  is  very  whole- 
fome,  eafy  of  digeftion,   and  yields  as   good  nourifh- 
ment  as  any  other  fort.     After  the  Indians   have   re- 
duced it  into  meal  by  pounding  it,   they  make  cakes 
of  it,  and  bake  them  before  the  fire.     I  have  already 
mentioned  that  fome  nations  eat  it  in  cakes  before  it 
is  ripe,  in  which  ftate  it  is  very  agreeable   to  the  pal- 
ate, and  extremely  nutritive. 

WILD  RICE.  This  grain,  which  grows  in  the 
grcateft  plenty  throughout  the  interior  parts  of 
North  America,  is  the  moft  valuable  of  all  the  fpon- 
uneous  produdlions  of  that  country.  Exclufive  of 
its  utility  as  a  fupply  of  food  for  thofe  of  the  human 
fpecies,  who  inhabit  this  part  of  the  continent,  and 
obtained  without  any  other  trouble  than  that  of  gath- 
ering it  in  its  fwectnefs  and  nutritious  quality, 
it  attra<fl:s  an  infinite  number  of  wild  fowl  of  every 
kind,  which  flock  ft  ^m  diftapt  climes,  to  enjoy  this 
rare  repaft  ;  and  by  it  become  inexprefljbly   fat  and 

delicious* 


dt'llc'oi; 

vice  to  t 

prcfent 

other  ft 

realms  i 

gift  of  1 

tJie  foil 

great  ha 

Iburce  f 

in  the  w; 

where  it 

and  the  I 

oats  both 

I'he  ftalk 

feet  abov 

in  the  f( 

that  it  be^ 

they,  run  i 

bunthcs  0 

leave  it  in 

till  it  is  pe 

tember  th 

having  its 

tinguiih  tli 

ing  the  n 

to  them. 

clofe  to  th 

receive    th 

out,  with 

Having  do 

wards  treai 

fit  for  ufc, 

young  bufi^ 

?ofe,  and  i 

preferve  it 

been  the  fu 

taneous  grs 

America,  c 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS.  301 

dd:-c-or.s.     Ju  future  periods  it  .vill  be  of  great  fcr- 
vice  to  the  mfant  colonics,  as  it    mil  afford  them  a 
prefent  fupport,   until,  in  the  courfe  of  cuhiv  tion 
other  fupi>l>es  may  be  produced  ;    whereas,  in  thofe 
realms  wh.ch  are  not  furnifhcd  wkh  this  bounteous 
g  ft  of  nature,  even  if  the  elimatc  is  temperate  and 

great  haidlhips  from  the  want  of  an  immediate  re- 
ource  for  neceliluy  food.     This  ufeful  gra  n  Lws 
m  the  waer  where  it  is  about  two  feet  deep    and 
where  it  hnds  a  rich,  muddy  foil.     The  ft-dt^nf  v 
and  ti^e  branches  or  ears  tha't  bear  th    Ldf  r  femWe 
oats  both  m  their  appearance  and  manner  of  Lo  W 
1  he  ftalks  are  full  of  joints,  and  rife  more  than  S 
feet  above  the  water.     The  natives  gather  the  a  In 
;«  the   following    xnanner:   Nearly  about    he  Time 
hat  It  begms  to  turn  from  its  millcy  Le  and  to  ripeT 
they  run  their  canoes  into  the  midfl-  of  .V     '""P.'^"* 
bunches  of  it  together,  j„/t  beU  tc  el"  wi^'  £".'' 

preferve  it  till  ,1,"  H„  "i  l.^'";-  "''f™"  "«/ 
^e=„  the  fubjea  of  mud^  f^^eutoiLrwly'ihis'fpon" 

Amcnc.,  or^m  thoie  countries  fituatcd  in  the  fame 

parallels 


1 


3oa 


.CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


parallels  of  latitude,  .where  the  waters  arc  as  apparent- 
ly adapted  for  its  growth  as  in  the  climate  I  treat  of. 
As  for  inftance,  none  of  the  countries  that  lie  to  the 
Ibuth  and  eall  of  the  great  lakes,  even  from  the  prov- 
inces north  of  the  Carolinas,  to  the,  extremities  of 
Labradore,  produce  any  of  this  grain.  It  is  true  I 
found  great  quantities  of  it  in  the  watered  lands  near 
.Detroit,  between  Lake  Huron  and  Lake  Erie,  but 
on  inquiry  I  learned  that  it  never  arrived  nearer  to 
maturity  than  juft  to  hloflbm  j  after  which  it  appear- 
ed blighted,  and  died  away.  This  convinces  me  that 
tjie  north  w?ft  wind,  as  I  have  before  hinted,  is  much 
more  powerful  in  thefe  than  in  the  interior  parts  ; 
and  that  it  is  more  inirnical  to  the  fruits  of  the  earth, 
after  it  has  pafled  over  the. lakes,  and  become  united 
with  the  wind  which  joins  it  from  the  frozen  regions 
of  the  north,  than  it  is  further  to  the  weftward. 

BEANS.  Thefe  are  nearly  of  the  fame  fliape  as 
the  European  beans, '  but  ai'e  not  much  larger  than 
the  fmalleft  llze  of  theni.  They  are  boiled  by  the 
Indians,  and  eaten  chiefly  with  bear's  flefli. 

The  SQUASH.  They  have  alfo  feveral  fpecies 
of  the  M£i.()N  or  PUMPKIN,  which  by  forae  are 
called  fquafhes,"  and  which  ferve  many  nations  partly 
as  a  fubllitute  for  bread.  Of  thefe  there  is  the  round, 
the  crane  neck,  the  fmall,  flat,  and  the  large  ablong 
fquafh.  The  fmaller  forts  being  boiled,  are  eaten 
during  the  fummer  as  vegetables  ;  and  are  all  of  a 
pleafing  flavor.  The  crane  neck,  which  greatly  ex- 
cels all  the  others,  are  ufually  hung  up  for  a  winter'^ 
ftore,  and  in  this  maijner  might  be  preferved  for  fe- 
y.eral  months. 


1 


APPENDIX. 


likes  an 

ward   t( 

large  co 

are  fo  fi 

and  oth 

which  I 

hereaftci 

dered  c( 

pi,  whic 

ble  theii 

foreign  c 

Nile,  th 

which  d 

convenie 

country, 

and  veffe 

they  hav( 

The  » 

from   nor 

fertile  an 

eluding  o 

on  the  toj 

nted,  whe 

tants,  the 

'-ii-iiL/iilXl 

They  will 
fpontaneoi 
b.icco  :  an 


APPENDIX. 


303 


APPE  NDIX. 


'^-r-^ 


lAkc 


I 


I 

HE   courittks   that   lie   between   the 


■s  and  River  Mii] 


ween 
ynyp'h  and  from   thence 


great 
ibuth- 


warrl    t«   ^xr  A   ;;,  ":vt'J:">  '«""  rrom   thence  Ibuth 
ward   to   Weft   Honda,   although  in  themidftnfl 
b^e  contment,  and  at  a  great  diLnce  fustic  1 
are  fo  fituated,  that  a  cm^munication   between  them 
^jd  other  rcahn,  might  conveniently  be  op  ned     b^ 

"  eaftrbT;   ^'f  ,  ^T"^    °^  coloniesTa?  ma^ 

-leatter  be  founded  or  planted  therein,  will  be  ren 
dered  commercial  ones.     The  yreat  R  v^  luffl^r 
PJ,  which  rtms  through  the  whfeTf  S:em   K-' 
be  their  mhab>tants  to  eibblifh  an  intercourfc  St 

Nile,  the  Danube,  or  tiie  WoIot   do   thJf  \ 

tonve„,er>ce  for  sporting  the  produce  of  thdrc™ 

d  SaTonirr'T  ""''=  °f  °">-'  '"'-"-•" 

th«,  K,      k       ^      ''"''''™  •  n°t"'thftandinK  which 
ihe  Bl/hfipp,,  as  I  have  before  obfcrved    nm. 

b^cco  ;  and  the  more  nothern  parts,  wine,  oil,   beef, 

tallow, 


304 


APPENDIX. 


Iti 


tallow,  fit  Ins,  buffalo  wool,  and  furs  ;  with  lead,  cop- 
per, iron,  coals,  lumber,  corn,  rice,  and  fruits,  bolides 
earth  and  barks  for  dying. 

Thefe  articles,  with  wliich  it  abounds  even  to  pro- 
fuflon,  may  be  tranfportcd  to  the  ocean  through  this 
river  without  greater  difficulty  than  that  which  at- 
tends, the  conveyance  of  merchandifc  down  fomc  of 
thofe  I  have  }ui\  mentioned.  It  is  true  that  the 
MiiTifippi  being  the  boundary  between  the  Englifli 
and  Spanifli  fettlcmcnts,  and  the  Spaniards  in  pol- 
ieffion  of  the  mouth  of  it,  they  may  obRru<lt  tl.*^  paf- 
fage  of  it  and  greatly  diflieartcn  thofe  v-ho  make  tht'. 
firll  attempts  ;  }et  when  the  advantages  »liit  v>'ill 
certainly  arife  to  fettlers,  are  known,  inultitudes  of 
adventurers,  allured  by  the  profpeft  of  fuch  abun- 
dant riches^  will  flock  to  it,  and  eftablilh  themfelves, 
though  at  the  expenfe  of  rivers  of  blood. 

But  Ihould  the  nation  that  happens  to  be  in  pof- 
feffion  of  New  Orleans  prove  unfriendly  to  the  inter- 
nal fettlers,  they  may  hnd  :  way  into  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico,  by  the  river  Ii)ervillc,  which  empties  itfelf 
from  the  Miffifippi,  after  palling  through  Lalte  Mau- 
repas,  into  Lake  Ponchartrain,  which  has  a  commu- 
nication with  the  fea,  within  the  borders  of  Weil 
Florida.  The  River  Iberville  branches  off  from  the. 
MilUfippi  about  eighty  miles  above  New  Orleans,  and 
though  it  is  at  preient  choaked  up  in  fome  parts,  it 
Blight  at  an  inconflderable  cxpenfc  be  made  navi- 
gable, fo  as  to  aafwer  all  the  purpofes  propofcd. 

Although  the  Knglifh  have  acquired  fmce  the  laft 
peace  a  more  extenllve  knowledge  of  the  interior 
parts  than  were-  ever  obtained  before,  even  by  the 
French,  yet  m.  y  of  their  produdlions  ftill  remain 
unknown.  And  though  I  was  not  deficient  either  in 
alllduity  or  atten'don  during  the  fhort  time  I  remain-, 
ed  in  thcni,  vet  I  mull  acknowledge  that  the  intelli- 
gence  I  gained  was  not  lb  perfedl  as  I  could  W'ili, 
and  that  it  requires  further  refearches  to  raake  the, 

world 


APPENDTX. 


i^S 


world  ihoroii^c^hly  acquainted  witli  the  real  valu;  of 
Ihefe  long  hidden  realms. 

TJie  parts  of  the  MifTlftppi,  of  which  no  furvey  has 

hitherto    been  taken,  amount   to  upwards  of  cudit 

mndredrndes    following  the  courfe  of  the  ftrcan., 

that  IS  from  the  Illinois  to  the  Ouifconlin  Rivers! 

riansot  luch  as  reach  from  th>;  former  to  the  Gulf 

ot  Mexico,  have  been  delineated  by  feveral   hands, 

and  I  have  the  pleafure  to  .find  that  an  a^ual  furvey 

of  the  mtermediate  parts  of  the  Misllfippi,  between 

the  Ilhnois  River  and  the  fea,  which  the  Ohio,  Che- 

rokce,  and  Ouabache  Rivers,  taken  on  rhe  fpot  by  a 

very   mgen.ous  Gentleman,*'  is  now  publ./hed.     I 

flatta-  myfelr  that  the  obfervations  therein  contained, 

which  have  been  made  by  one  whofe  knowledge  of 

the  parts  therein  defrribed  was  acrj^iired  by  a  perfon- 

trT^^'^'^rtf  ^^  '  ^°^'^  J"clgment,\vin  con- 
hrmthfe  ".marks  I  have  made,  and  promote- the  nlaa 
1  am  here  recommending-  ^ 

I  fliall  alfo  hei^  give  a  concife  defcrlptloii  of  each, 
begmnmg  according  to  the  rule  of  geographers,  witl^ 
that  which  lies  moft  to  the  north,    ^    °    ^       '     "^ 

It  is  however  neceifary  to  obferve,  that  before  thefo 
Mements  ca«  be  eftablii],ed,  grants  muft  be  pro! 
cured  m  the  manner  cufton.ary  on  fuch  occafion,, 
and  the  lands  be  purchafed  of  thofe-  who  have  ac! 

.'renter 'dil;',/°  '"n"  '^  V^"S  poMon  ,  but  no 
greater  difficulty  w.Jl  attend  the  completion  of  this 
pomt,  than  the  original  founders  of  every  colony  o* 

aid  XTV"'A''^  '°'  ^^'^^"'■'^  their  intentions  * 
and  the  number  of  Vidians  who  inhabit  thcfe  trads 
being  greatly  inadequate  to  their  extent,  it  i.  not  t^ 
be  doubted,  but  they  vnU  readily  give  up  for  a  rea! 
fonable  confideration,  territories  tha?  are  of  Iktl.  S 
.^-  iiicm  i  o,  remove  for  the  accommodation  of  their 

B  b  2 


30(5 


APriNDIX. 


ne\v  ncij^lilwrs,  to  lands  at  a  greater  diAancc  fronts 
the  Millilippi,  the  navigation  of  which  is  not  eflfcn- 
tial  to  the  welfare  of  their  communititrs. 

No.  r.  The  country  within  thcfe  lines^  from  its 
fituation  is  coklcr  thnn  any  (>f  the  othera  }  yet  lam. 
convinced  that  the  air  is  much  more  ttnnperate  thani 
in  thofe  jn-ovinccs  that  He  in  the  Tame  degree  of  lati- 
tude to  the  caft  oF  it.  The  foil  is  excellent,  and 
there  is  a  great  deal'  of  land  that  is  free  from  woods 
in  the  parts  adjoining  to  the  Miiiiiippi ;  whilll  on  the 
contrary  the  north  eallcrn  borders  of  it  are  well 
M^ooded.  Towards  the  head^  of  the  River  St.  Croix, 
pice  grows  in  gre;  t  plenty,  and  tlicre  is  abundance 
of-  copper.  Though  the  f^lls  of  .Saint  Anthony  are 
iit?iiatcd  at  the  fouth  eaft  corner  of  this  diviilon,  vet 
rlwt  imj:>€djm€Ht  v/ill  not  totally  obftrudt  the  naviga- 
tion, as  tlie  Rlver-'St,  Croix,  wiiich  runs  through  a 
f.peat  p?rt  of  the  Jfouthern  (klc  of  it,  enters  the  Milli- 
lippi jail  below  the  Falls,  and  ilows.  with  fo  gentle  a 
current,  that  it  affonls  a  convenient  navigation  for 
boats..  ■  This  tract  »»■  about  one  hundred  miles  from 
north  vfcii  to  fuuth  eaft-,  and.  one  hundred  and  twea- 
tyin^iles  fixwn  north  ea/l  to  fouth  weft.  .\ 

■""^'Ko.'  If.  Th'S-  ttuxCt,  us  I  have  aheady  defcribed 
it''m-vfiy  Journd,  exceeds  the  highcft  encomiums  I 
can  give  it  ;  notwlthikinding  whicli  it  is  entirely  un- 
inhabited, and  the  profufion  of  blefUngs  that  nature 
has  fhowcred  on-  thi.>  heavenly-  fpot,  retuni  uiienjoy- 
€d  to  thclapfron>  whence  they  fpnmg.  Lake  Te- 
f)ih,'a5  I  have  termed  it  rfter  the 'French,  lies  within 
thefe  bounds  j  but  the  lake  to  whxh  that  nante  prop- 
*crly  belongs,  is  a  little  above  the'  RH'er  St.  Croix; 
kowevcr,  as  aH  the  traders  call  the  low  zr  lake  by  that 
name;'!  have  fo  denominated  it,  contrary  to  the  in- 


^^^^K                  rc ;»:^^  r : \  r 

^r.\r.^* 

■"-•'-■■  V 

*}yiBg  in  unequal  angles,  the  dimeniions.  of  it  cannot 
be  exactly  gi.ven,  but  it  appears  to  be  on  an  average 
dbout'  one'hundrecVand  teiV  laifes  Ibn'g,  anrf-  eighty 
bi-oad.  ■     ••-•"-  No.IH. 


KC  froms* 
,ot  cflen- 

from  its 
yet  I  am  ■ 

•ate  than) 
c  of  lati- 
lent,  and 
m  woods 
lit  on  the 

£rc  well 
k.  Croix, 
bundancc- 
hony  are 
ilon,  yet 
e  navia;a- 
irough  a 
he  Milli- 

gentle  a 
ition  for 
ile£  front 
lid  twau- 

defcribed 
miums  I 
fircly  un- 
it natura 
luienjoy- 
jake  Pe* 
;s.  within 
me  prop- 
i  Croix  ; 
e  bi'^.that 
»  the  in- 


t  cannot 

1  average 

d  eigluy 

No.  IH. 


APPENDIX.  307 

No.  III.      I  he  greateft  part  of  this  divillon  is  lltr- 
at.'d  on  the  River  Ouifconlln,  Tvhich  ii  navi.aljle  for 
boats   about   one  hun<lrcd  and  eighty  miltb,    till   it 
reaches  the  carrying  place  that  divides   it ,  from  the 
i;ox  R:vcr.      fhe  land  ^vhich  is  contained  uithin  its 
iuiuts,  is  m  fome   parts    mountainous,  and    in  the 
otliercoiififts  of  fertile   meadows  and  tine  pafturaoc. 
It  .s  furniflied  al/o  with  a  jjreat  deal  of  poyd  timber, 
ami,  as  lii  generally  the  cafe  on  the  banks  of  the  Mi!- 
ilippiand  its  branches,  has  much  fine,  open,  cle-r 
hmd,  proper  for  cultivation.     To  thcfe  are  ;iddcd  an 
incxhauft.ble  fund  of  ritlie^  in  a  number  of  lead 
muies  v^Tii.ch  lie  at  a  little  difiiance  from  the  Ouit^ 
confin   towards  tlie  fomh,  and  appear  to  be  uncom. 
monly  full  of  ore.     Althouj^h  the  .Saukics  and  Otta- 
gaumies  inhabit  a  part  of  this  tradt,  the  v/hole  of  the 
lands  under  their  cultivation  does  not  exceed  three 
hundred  acres.     It   is   In  length  from   eaft  to  weft 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  a»d  about  eijihtv- 
trom  north  to  fouth.  ' ,  '  °    ^ 

No.  IV.     This  colony  cpnfTfls  of  bnis  of  various- 
denominations,  feme  of  wliich  ai-e  tery  good     md 
oti.xers  very  bpA.  The  bcft' is  fituated  on  the  borders- 
ot  tlw.  Green  Bay  and  the.  Fox  Riveiv  wh'  re  there 
are  innumerable  acres  covered  with  fine  "rafs,  moll 
part  of  which  gro^vs  tp  an  aftonifhing  height.     This 
river  will  affptd  a  good  navigation  for  boats  throueJi- 
out  the  whole  of  its  courfe,  which  is  about  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  miles,  ex,cept  between  the  Winne- 
^goLake,   an^  the.. Green   Bay;  where  there  are 
leveral  carrymg-places  in    the    fpace  of  thirty  miles. 
..Lhe  i-ox  River  IS  rendered  remarkable  by  the  abun- 
dance of  rice  that  grows  on  its  flaorcs,   and  the    il- 
j"!??."^^-rL^  nuinbers  of  wild  fowl  that  frequent  its 
Majpis.      iiic   i^vii   whiCij,  lies  near  it  appears   to   be 
very  .fcrtjje,  and  promifes  to  produce  a  fulEcient  fun-' 
ply.  of  all  the  necefEiries  of  life  for  any  number  of 
lahabitants.     A ,  cQmnwjnication  might  be  opened  by 
"■-  '  thofc 


30& 


APPENDIX. 


thofe  who  fliall  fettle  here,  either  through  the  Green 
Bay,  Lake  Michigan,  Lake  Huron,  Lake  Erie,  and 
Lake  Ontario  with  Canada,  or  bjr  way  of  the  Ouif- 
confin  into  the  Miffilippi.  This  divilion  is  about  one 
hundred  and  fixty  miles  long  from  north  to  fouth, 
and  one  hundred  and  forty  broad. 

No.  V.  This  is  an  excellent  tra<?t  of  land,  and, 
confidering  its  interior  fituation,  has  greater  advan- 
tages than  could  be  expected  ;  for  having  the  Miffi- 
fippi  on  its  weftern  borders,  and  the  Illinois  on  its 
fouth  eaft,  it  has  a^  free  a  navigation  a*  moft  of  the 
others.  The  northern  parts  of  it  are  fomewhat 
mountainous,  but  it  contains  a  great  deaV  of  clear 
land,  the  foil  of  which  is  excellent,  with  many  fine 
fertile  meadows,  and  not  d"  few  rich  mines.  It  is  up- 
wards of  two  hundred  miles  from  north  to  fouth,  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty  from  eafl  to  weft. 

No.  VI.  This  colony  being  fituated  upon  the 
heads  of  the  Rivers  Illinois  and  Ouabache,  the  former 
of  which  empties  itfelf  immediately  into  the  Mifll- 
lippi,  and  the  latter  into  the  fame  river  by  means  of 
the  Ohio,  will  readily  find,  a  communication  with  the 
fea  thrcmgh  thefe.  Having  alfo  the  River  Miamis 
pafling  through  it,  which  runs  into  Lake  Erie,  an  in- 
tercourie  migTit  be  eftablifhed  with  Canada  alfo  by 
t\"ay  of  the  lakes,  as  before  pointed'  ©ut.  It  contains 
a  great  deal  of  rich  fertile  land,  and  though  more  in- 
land  than  any  of  the  others,  will  be  as  valuable  an  ac- 
quifition  as  the  beft  of  them.  From  north  to  fouth 
it  is  about  one  hundred  and  lixty  nirlcs^  from  eafl  to 
weft  one  hundred  and  eighty. 

No.  VII.  This  divifion  is  not  inferior  to  any  o£ 
the  foregoing.  Its  northern  bofders  lying  adjacent 
to  the  Illinois  river ^  and  its  wcflern  to  the  ^Miflif^irt* 
the  fituation  of  it  for  efi-ablifliitig  a  corhnlercial  inter- 
eourfe  with  foreign  nations  is  very  icommodious.  It 
abounds  with  all  the  necefKiries  of  'Hfe,  and  is  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  rtirles  from' ttdrth  to-foudS  and 
"  fixty 


APPENDIX. 


3-59 


Tixty  miles  from  eaft  to  weft  ;  but  the  confines  of  it 
being  more  irregular  than  the  others,  I  cannot  exact- 
ly afcertain  the  dimenfions  of  it. . 

No.  VIII.  This  colony  having  'the  River  Oua- 
bache  running  through  the  centre  of  it,  and  the  Ohio 
for  its  fouthern  boundary,  will  enjoy  rlie  advantage* 
of  a  free  navigation.  It  extends  about  one  hundred 
and  forty  miles  from  north  to  fouth,  and  one  hundred 
and  thirty  from  eaft  to  weft. 

No.  IX.  X.  and  XL  being  fimilar  in  fituation,  anclf 
furniflied  with  nearly  tlie  fame  conveniences  as  all 
the  otheis,  I  fliall  only  give  their  dimenfions.  No-^ 
IX.  is  about  eighty  miles  each  way,  but  not  exactly, 
fquare.  No.  X.  is  nearly  in.  the  fame  form,  and 
about  the  fame  extent.  No.  XI.  is.  much  larger,  be- 
ing at  leaft,  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from  north. 
to  fouth,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  from  eaft  to- 
weft,  a&neai-ly  as  from,  its  irregularity  it  is  i)oflible  to 
calculate. 

After  the  difcription  of  this  delightful  country  I 
have  jJready  given,  I  need  not  repeat  that  all  the 
fpots  Ihav.e  thus  pointed  out  as  proper  for  coloniza- 
tion, abound  not  only  with  the  neceiliiries  of  life,  be- 
ing ^vxU  ftorcd  with  rice,  deer,  buifaloes,  bears,  Sec. 
but  produce  in  equal  abundance  fuch  as  may  be  term- 
ed luxuries,  or  at  leaft  thofe  articles  of  commerce  be- 
fore recited  which  the;  inhabitants  of  it  will  have  an 
opportunity  of  exchanging  for  the  needful  jiroduc- 
tions  of  other  countries. 

Tha  difcovery  of  a  north  weft  pafTage  to  India  ha3> 
been  the  fubjec^  of  innumerable  difquiiitions.  Ma- 
ny efforts  likewife  have  been  made  by  way  of  Hud- 
ion's  Bay,  to  penetrate  into  the  Paciiic  Occanj  though 
without  fuccefs.  I  fhall  aot  therefore  trouble  my- 
icif  iv  cjmnierate  the  advantages  that  would  refult' 
from  this,inuch  wifl^ed  for  tlifcovcry,  its  utility  being 
already  top  well  known  to  the  commercial  world  to 
need  any  elucidation  j.  I  fbali  only  confine,  myfelf  to. 

the 


310 


APPENDIX. 


the  methods  that  nppear  moft  probable  to  enfure  fuc- 
cefs  to  future  adventurers. 

The  many  attempts  that  have  hitlierto  been  made 
for  this  purpofe,  but  which  have  all  been  rendered- 
abortive,  feem  to  have  turned  the  fpirit  of  making 
ufeful  refearches  into  another  channel,  and  this  molt 
interefting  one  has  almoft  been  given  up  as  impracli- 
cable  J  but,  in  my  opinion,  their  failure  rather  pro- 
ceeds from  their  being  begun  at  an  improper  place, 
than  from  their  impradlicability. 

All  navigators  that  have  hitherto  gone  in  fcarch  of 
this  paflage,  have  firft  entered  Hudibn's  Bay  }  the 
confequence  of  which  has  been,  that  having  fpent 
the  feafon  during  which  only  thofe  feas  ai-e  naviga- 
ble, in  exploringrmany  of  the  numerous  inlets  lying 
therein,  and  this  without  difcovering  any  opening, 
terrified  at  the  ap-^roach  of  winter,  they  have  haften- 
ed  back  for  fear  of  being  frozen  up,  and  confequent- 
ly  of  being  obliged  to  continue  till  the  return  of  fum- 
mer  in  thofe  bleak  and  dreary  realms.     Even  fuch  as 
have  perceived  the  coafts  to  enfold  themfeives,  and 
who  have  of  courfe  entertained  hopes  of  fucceedingi 
have  been  deterred  from   profecutiijg  their  voyas^' 
left  the  winter  fhould  fet  in  before  they  could  reach 
a  more  temperate  climate. 

Thefe  appreheniions  have  difcouraged  the  boldeft 
adventurers  from  completing  the  expeditions  in 
which  they  have  engaged,  and  fruibated  every  at- 
tempt. But  as  it  has  been  clifcovered  by  fuch  as  have 
failed  into  the  northern  parts  of  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
that  there  are  many  inlets  which  verge  towaitls  Hud- 
fon's  Bay,  it  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  that  a  paffage 
might  be  made  out  from  that  quarter,  if  it  be  fought 
for  at  a  proper  feafon.  And  Ihould  thefe  expe^a- 
<-!vii3  i,--w  uiiap^.-viiiicu,  iiic  cjipiorcra  wouicl  iiut  uc  in 
the  fame  hazardous  fituation  with  thofe  who  fet  out 
from  Hudibn's  Bay,  for  they  will  always  be  fure  of  a 
iafe  retreat,  through  an  open  fea,  to  warmer  regions, 

even? 


APPENDIX 


3'« 


«d:"cf:7ss',af'''"!5- """  "-'^  -- 

w,.t.oo.„ch  c«u4eaio„  0.^4  ht^:! 
.c7thl'%™tnlS--„!'r'"«  "-=  P>- Of  inquiry  af. 

n^yfelf  and  others,  in  e^d^  L     'S     '"7  ?^  ^'  ^5^ 
tinent  of  Americi    t W  i.      °  l     ^^  ^^''°^'  ^^^^  <^on- 

We  defigned  to  have  purfued  nearlvfi,-  r 
that  I  did  5  and  after  haLgZiiTrtfltTl  T" 
pin,  to  have  proceeded  up  the  River  q.    P-     ^  ^^" 
from  tlieace  uu  a  bran^K  «f  1     «^  ^^'  ^'^""e*  and 

having  difcovSidtw  5^^^^         ^^^°^'^>  ^^^ 
of  the  Weft    on  X  «T    /i  ^  ^""^S^"  °^  R^ver 

lands  thatd^idetlew^t'^  ^""^^^^  °f  the 

h^^iriE?^^--^^^ 
-.itisf^t^!^-s:t^^^^^^ 

would  fromTheniCeh^'''^'^^"°"^^='^  he 
gentleman  J..Z"±'^.^!^'''  ^'?  -^^^^''chcs.     This 

tion  by  Colonei^Wrr  rnv'Sr.^!  '".k'^'  ^'''P^^'" 
have  taken  out  with  him  .T^-      '^  °^^''"'  ^"^  to 

/  on  the  occafion,   and   for  navigating  the 

latter 


3t2 


APPENDIX. 


latter  ;  In  all,  not  lefs  than  fifty  or  fixty  men.  The 
grants  and  other  requifltes  for  this  purpofe  were  even 
nearly  compleated,  when  the  prefent  troubles  in  A- 
America  began,which  put  a  rtop  to  an  enterprife  that 
proinifed  to  be  of  inconceivable  advantage  to  the 
Britifh  dominions. 


{•,„,,!» 


,■?»?!«»*! 


mm 


men. 

The 

e  were  even        | 

luble 

5  in  A- 

erpri 

fe  that 

^age 

to  the 

• 

-H 


-I 


